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Independent MP Gevorg Petrosyan on Wednesday deplored the parliament’s move to lift martial law in Armenia amid risk of renewed war.

Armenia’s National Assembly voted 118 to 1 to lift martial law at a sitting earlier on Wednesday, with one lawmaker abstaining from voting.

"I opposed it for a simple reason that at the time when martial law was declared, there were no grounds for it, but now, when the threat of war is hanging over Armenia, we move to lift it," Petrosyan told reporters at the parliament.

He noted that on 27 September 2020, when Azerbaijan unlashed a war against Artsakh, there was no threat on Armenia's borders, while the law makes it clear that martial law may be declared for the security of Armenia’s borders.

“Now, when the Azerbaijanis are taking a village [of Armenia] every day and attacking the country’s border, martial law should not have been lifted. On the contrary, every effort must be made to raise the inviolability of borders to a higher level," the MP stated.

He called for full focus on the security of Armenia’s borders, playing down the snap parliamentary elections set for June 20.

“Who cares that elections will be held? I personally have very little interest in the early elections. There are priorities for me, now the most important thing is the security of Armenia,” Petrosyan said, stating the defeated authorities should have stepped down instead of announcing fresh elections in the country.

Also, he expressed doubt that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan actually intends to resign to pave the way for the snap elections.

The lawmaker said he may not take part in the elections and may leave politics after all, citing the “unpleasant” environment.

“There is no politics here, there are only personal and corporate interests," he added.

Petrosyan also revealed who he sees as the head of the country.

"I have already named the person who can get the country out of this situation through his track record, personal traits and ties. Yes, I am talking about Robert Kocharyan. I do not speak or act secretly like some people, I say whatever I think. I am not saying the years of his rule were flawless and all the people were happy, no, but today we must stand above the low values and give priority to the high values," the MP said.