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Gevorg Kostanyan, an MP of the now former ruling Republican Party of Armenia, has announced his decision to step down as Armenia’s permanent representative to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

Kostanyan, who took the position in 2004 when the Armenian representation was established at the ECHR after the country ratified the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in 2002, submitted resignation four days ago, he told Aysor.am news agency.

He cited the need for giving an opportunity to the new Armenian government to freely present its stance on the cases examined by the European Court as the reason behind his decision.

“After the events that took place in April and May 2018, the Armenian government changed,” Kostanyan said. “As a result, the [new] government’s position has naturally changed, or may change, on the majority of cases being examined or to be examined at the European Court.

“Under these conditions, I consider the continuation of my service as the Armenian representative to the European Court as inexpedient,” he detailed.

“I believe that the new authorities should have the opportunity to freely present their positions on the cases being examined at the European Court and not to be constrained by the formerly presented approaches,” the MP added.

Kostanyan also stressed that he and his team have spared no effort to “properly defend Armenia’s interests at the ECHR”, expressing confidence the new team will also do its best and the human rights state in Armenia will improve year by year.