YEREVAN. - The Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan made an address at the session of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) Council on Thursday.  

Referring to the implementation of the constitutional reforms, which he had referred to on February 12, he noted: “During the previous years, the economic reforms were in the center of our attention. But we had somehow left the political reforms for better times, thinking that the economic reforms would create more favorable conditions for the political reforms. However, it has long ago become apparent that without political reforms, the results of economic reforms will always be unsatisfying for us. Currently, already everyone sees the need for political reforms.”

According to him, the political reforms first of all imply political culture: new methods of solving the issues which the country faces, free entrance to the political system of purposeful people who are full of ideas, turning the parliament into the country’s No. 1 forum, possibility to unite the ideas of all the relevant forces round the issues the country faces, etc.

“These political reforms are not an end in themselves: they are not steps taken upon the urge, let alone, demand of international organizations. These are reforms aimed at having a good and secure homeland, as well as living and creating on our own land for millennia. I reiterate, the basis of all this is the newly adopted Constitution,” he stressed.

The Constitutional reforms were followed by a rather complex work of drafting the Electoral Code, which required professional solutions. The cooperation between the opposition and civil society round the Electoral Code was unprecedented, Sargsyan added, expressing hope that it will successfully end in the upcoming two-three days.  

The preparatory work was unfortunately slowed down after the Arpil War, he said.

“As usual, we are learning lessons from the war. The significant work, which is underway, will continue regardless of any other processes. The recent developments also certainly kept us back, but now we have no time to lag behind. Dear party members, dear friends, I reiterate we have neither a right nor time to lag behind,” the President stressed.

Referring to the changes in the political system, Sargsyan noted: “You can expect significant changes in the future. [By this] I first of all mean the conducted policy, its priorities, signature and tasks also in terms of bringing them to conformity with the revised Constitution. As a consequence, there will certainly be changes in the staff. Changes will take place in almost all the areas, starting from the President’s administration to the judicial system.” 

Referring to the approval of Karen Karapetyan’s candidacy as a PM, Sargsyan said: “We are all well aware of Mr Karapetyan’s skills and style. He can indeed lead the great wave of changes in Armenia, guiding the society though new economic and political freedoms, break the fixed stereotypes and inject new flexibility into the economic movement, etc. I am sure, through his effective work Karen Karapetyan will be able to become a unique symbol of changes in Armenia. He will be able to lead all the future developments by the path predetermined by the Constitution, that is the modern path.”

Using the entire potential of Armenians, the new government should restore the widest confidence towards the authorities and find non-standard solutions for our economy and public life, which will guarantee Armenia’s  sustainable development, strengthening the  country’s positions in the region, the President stressed.

Serzh Sargsyan also thanked former Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan for heading the Armenian government “during this responsible period”and the work carried out by him.

“I am [also]grateful to Karen Karapetyan for assuming the post of the head of the government. We are entering a decisive stage: the responsibility is great and the actions are significant. I am sure all of us will support his initiatives. I congratulate and wish success to all of us,” the President concluded.