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Knyaz Hasanov, a lawmaker from the Civil Contract faction in Armenia’s ninth-convocation National Assembly, who, as the oldest MP, chaired the inaugural sitting of the newly elected parliament, called on lawmakers to remain united, set aside their differences and rally around the state.
Hasanov made the remarks at the opening of the first session of the ninth-convocation National Assembly.
“It is both a pleasure and a great honour, as well as a responsibility, for me. I feel very proud. As the oldest member of parliament, I have been given the opportunity, by virtue of my age, to open the inaugural sessions of the sixth, seventh, eighth and now the ninth convocations of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia. Perhaps my age also gives me the right to make one heartfelt request.
I ask and urge all my fellow MPs, both from the governing majority and the opposition, to remain united, put all disagreements aside, rally around our state and government, and do everything possible to ensure that our country follows the right path of development,” Hasanov said.
According to him, peace is as essential to Armenia and the Armenian people today as air and water.
“Today, peace is as essential to us and our people as air and water. It is through peace that our country must develop economically and grow stronger. Only a strong state earns the respect of both its enemies and its friends. War brings nothing but destruction, bloodshed, human casualties and loss. Therefore, we must do everything possible to ensure that disputes are resolved not through war, but through diplomacy and peaceful means,” Hasanov said. He added that, thanks to the foreign policy pursued by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Armenia has established good neighbourly relations with a number of countries, including neighbouring states.
“Thanks to the correct and forward-looking foreign policy pursued by the Prime Minister of our Republic, the esteemed Nikol Pashinyan, good neighbourly relations have been established with a number of major powers and neighbouring countries, allowing the Republic of Armenia to live, and continue to live, in lasting peace. Our wise and far-sighted people chose the party of peace; peace prevailed. I sincerely congratulate the newly elected members of parliament and wish them fruitful work, wisdom and inexhaustible energy,” Hasanov concluded.
He then officially declared open the first session of the ninth-convocation National Assembly.