Deputies concerned with absence of Human Rights Defender during draft state budget discussion

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. The deputies expressed concerns during the discussion of 2016 draft state budget that Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia was not present at the National Assembly.

Member of Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs of the National Assembly Alexander Arzoumanian noted when addressing to the head of the staff of Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia Tigran Areyan that the head of the corresponding agency was to be present at the National Assembly during the discussions of the draft budget.

“I must say that our committee has always attached importance to cooperation with the office of Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia. We have always had friendly attitude to the office of Human Rights Defender, supported them in many ways, and participated in the discussions they invited us to. I must note that you also need the National Assembly to fill the gaps in legislation existing in the sphere of human rights protection. In this regard, we emphasize the importance of Human Rights Defender’s presence at such important discussions,” Alexander Arzoumanian said, adding that his absence meant disrespect for the National Assembly.

Chair of Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs Elinar Vardanyan joined Arzoumanian’s concerns:

“I think that our cooperation with the office of Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia must be at an appropriate level and his absence raises questions about the level of that cooperation. I must say that we did not reach any agreement before the sitting concerning Karen Andreasyan’s absence. We demand respect for the National Assembly and it refers to the heads of all state agencies,” Vardanyan concluded.

Head of the staff of Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia Tigran Areyan noted that he represented the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia during the discussion as financial and economic issues were going to be discussed during the sitting. He asked those present at the meeting not to qualify Human Rights Defender’s absence as disrespect for the National Assembly as they had deep respect for the National Assembly and realized the importance of the cooperation with the legislative body.