YEREVAN. – Armenia’s National Assembly (NA) adopted Tuesday in the first reading—and by a vote of 66 for, 28, against, and one abstaining—the bill on making an amendment in the National Assembly Rules of Procedure Law.        

With this bill, the formation procedure of the NA Ethics Committee will be changed. 

In her remarks, ruling Republican Party member Arpine Hovhannisyan—who is presenting this matter—noted that discussions are in progress with the Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) to find frameworks for an agreement. In his turn, PAP member Stepan Margaryan announced  that talks are truly underway and if agreements are reached, PAP will change its position in the second reading, but it will vote against the bill in the first reading.  

To note, pursuant to the current law, the NA Ethics Committee is formed consistent with the number of political factions that are represented at the parliament. As a result, the opposition political parties have received a majority in this committee.