Armenian parliament kicks off regular session with face mask debates
The Armenian National Assembly started its four-day session on Tuesday with debates on the demand to wear face masks during the sittings.
Opposition Bright Armenia faction head Edmon Marukyan asked Speaker Ararat Mirzoyan whether MPs have to wear masks during the whole sitting and whether they will be told to leave the sessions hall should they fail to do so.
The speaker stated that each lawmaker should contribute to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, apart from that fact that wearing face masks in enclosed areas is a mandatory requirement for all.
"Each of us must follow the rules and serve as an example for our citizens. Media reported that I myself did not wear a mask in an enclosed area. Yes, I made a mistake, I thought well it’s the swearing-in ceremony of the Artsakh president in an enclosed hall and I did not wear a mask, but I want to admit that it was wrong,” Mirzoyan stressed.
In response, Marukyan argued that speaking while wearing a face mask in the parliament is inconvenient, adding an MP’s decision not to wear it cannot be considered a violation of the rules.
"The state of emergency does not apply to the National Assembly, the decisions of the commandant cannot be implemented here, therefore you cannot invite an MP out of the hall for not wearing a mask and that decision should be reviewed,” the deputy stated.
“As for face masks, we are all in favor of wearing them in enclosed areas, but let an MP decide whether or not to wear a mask while speaking or in case when the social distancing is maintained,” he added.
Mirzoyan reiterated that he will invite lawmakers out of the hall if they fail to wear masks. "I am not ashamed to ask you to wear a mask in the sessions hall. Take it as a request, otherwise I will resort to certain measures,” he said.
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