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All representatives of the political arena used to speak about the need for a constitutional reform in Armenia, MP of ARF-Dashnaktsutyun (ARFD) faction Artsvik Minasyan said today during discussions held by Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

According to Minasyan, very few political forces in Armenia previously believed that a presidential or semi-presidential model of government was suitable for Armenia.

“In their election programs and election campaign speeches, those who have now joined ‘No’ camp previously raised the issue of a switch to a parliamentary system of government, a 100% proportional representation, and the need to implement a constitutional reform. In other words, there was such a need,” Minasyan said.

As regards statements expressing dissatisfaction with the fact that the constitutional reform was initiated by Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, A. Minasyan recommended studying the Constitution currently in force so as to make sure that only the president or the parliament may initiate reforms.

Commenting on the draft constitutional amendments developed by the Specialized Commission on Constitutional Reforms adjunct to Armenian President, the ARFD deputy said that is the first time that major importance has been attached to the family, a policy of repatriation is ensured at a state level, and a multiparty system has been considered a democratic value.

“The principle of the rule of law is clearly enshrined in the chapter on human rights,” the MP added.