We should think about constitutional reforms everyday: Gagik Harutyunyan

YEREVAN, JULY 5, ARMENPRESS: For the first time in Armenian history on July 5, 1995 was held referendum for confirming the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia. Armenian society choose the way of constitutional republic reconfirming its determination to implement the important task to continue formation of statehood, strengthening he independence and become social and democratic country which is fixed in Independence declaration of 1990. By the Constitution the Republic of Armenia was proclaimed as democratic and social country, clearly were separated the functions of the branches of power, rights and liberties of people and citizens were fixed in the Constitution.

President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia during the interview to “Armenpress” spoke about achievements of the 18 years old Constitution, necessary changes, and his possible record.

- One of the most important events of the Republic’s state-political life was the adoption of Constitution which took place on July 5, 1995. What achievements have been recorded since that time?

- There was a disagreement in international practice at that time whether there is a need to adopt constitution immediately after crash. At the same time it was the demand of our life that without constitutional solutions it was impossible to have progress. Armenia chose the way of adopting constitution though almost all countries chose the way of model constitutions. It meant that model was localized somehow. But those constitutions had internal dangers which suggested transferring regulation of other relations to another social field. After that was seen the second problem: how to improve the constitution. InArmenia only in 2005 were made constitutional reforms.

- Lately it is spoken about the necessity of constitutional reforms. What kind of changes are expected in near future?

- Constitutional reform is not only change and addition. Constitutional development takes place with the help of constitutional laws, which does not exist in our reality, with the help of abstract interpretation institute. Then come the legal decisions of Constitutional Court, positions of international courts and changes and additions of Constitution. The opportunities of evolution development of Constitution are limited. It is a serious problem for guarantying the dynamic and stable development of the country and this problem must be solved. In my researches I reverberated to this theme. It was not overcome during the reforms of 2005. We should think about constitutional reforms everyday. Constitution will not exist today without decisions of Supreme Court.

- For many years you are the President of the Constitutional Court, you take part in many international conferences, are not you tired?

- You should not e tires. This is a work which demands full implementation of experience. Besides I have not reached the record yet. My colleagues from Austria and Belgium are in office for a longer period. The problem is the follows: you can be tired from something. You can be tired when you stop do your work creatively, but when you do it creatively and see the huge work which has to be done you do not feel tired.

The interview was prepared by Seda Manukyan