Past daily of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes as follows, in particular: According to the RA Constitution, the term of office of the National Assembly [(NA)] begins at the moment of the opening of the first session of the newly elected National Assembly convened on the day of the expiration of the term of office of the previous convocation National Assembly.

The [current] NA, which is ending its term of office, began its activities on August 2, however, since August 2 is a Sunday this year, the first session [of the new NA] will be held on August 3. (...).

The RA NA Regulations law writes that “the President of the Republic [of Armenia] and the Catholicos of All Armenians have the right to make a welcoming speech on the occasion of the opening of the first session.”

The Catholicos has been present and has delivered a speech at the first sessions of all previous convocations [of the new NA]. According to the information we have, [PM] Nikol Pashinyan, as expected, is categorically against His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, participating in the first session [of the new NA] and delivering a speech.

Accordingly, they [i.e. the authorities] will do everything to hold the session without the Catholicos.