MPs take oath as first session of newly elected National Assembly opens

The inaugural session of Armenia’s newly elected National Assembly, formed following the parliamentary elections held on June 7, opened with the swearing-in ceremony of members of parliament.

Knyaz Hasanov, a Civil Contract MP who chaired the sitting as the oldest member of parliament, read out the oath of office.

“For the perpetuity, independence, sovereignty and strengthening of the Republic of Armenia, I swear to conscientiously fulfil my duties as a representative of the people, to uphold the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Armenia, to contribute to strengthening the statehood of the Republic of Armenia and protecting its interests, and to do everything in my power to promote civil solidarity, the security and well-being of the citizens of the Republic of Armenia, and the protection of human rights and freedoms. Glory to the fallen heroes, and long live the Republic of Armenia. I swear.” 

Lawmakers from the opposition Strong Armenia Alliance and Armenia Alliance remained seated during the oath-taking ceremony, while members of the ruling Civil Contract faction stood and recited the oath aloud, unlike their opposition colleagues.

The MPs then signed the text of the oath provided to them.

 Although the opposition lawmakers declined to recite the oath aloud, they nevertheless signed the oath text.

Before the swearing-in ceremony began, opposition lawmakers protested the absence of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II from the inaugural sitting of the National Assembly.