We made history together, says Simonyan in farewell address to parliament

Armenian National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan delivered his farewell address from the parliamentary rostrum, thanking lawmakers and the National Assembly staff for their joint work.

Simonyan said the years they spent together in parliament had been historic and filled with challenges, but that he had never doubted his colleagues.

"We made history together, and I am sincerely very proud of that. I am proud that we worked together, and proud that we went through those difficult times together," Simonyan said.

The speaker also highlighted parliament's international engagement, saying that the official visits, negotiations, and meetings carried out jointly had been of historic significance.

Simonyan thanked members of parliament as well as all departments of the National Assembly staff.

He also wished success to Ruben Rubinyan, the nominee for speaker of the new parliament.

"I wish Mr. Rubinyan, my friend, every success. May he become the second Speaker of the National Assembly to serve a full and stable five-year term," Simonyan said.

He also apologized if he had been unfair to anyone during his tenure.

"If I have been unfair to anyone in the course of my work, I ask for your forgiveness. You all know that I care deeply about each and every one of you and how important you are to me. Glory to our fallen heroes, and long live the Republic of Armenia," he said.

Earlier this week, the executive board of the ruling Civil Contract party selected Ruben Rubinyan in a secret ballot as its nominee for speaker of the newly elected parliament. Simonyan and Civil Contract parliamentary faction leader Hayk Konjoryan were also among the candidates.

On July 2, Simonyan announced that he would relinquish his parliamentary mandate and would not serve in the newly elected parliament.