YEREVAN. - People connected with the authorities change on the post of the ombudsman.  

Armenian MP Nikol Pashinyan stated the aforesaid today at the debate on the candidacy of the current Armenian Deputy Justice Minister Arman Tatoyan for the post of the ombudsman.

He noted with regret that the candidacy of opposition “Heritage” party Zaruhi Postanjyan – which he would certainly vote for - hasn’t been nominated.

According to the public opinion, Tatoyan is the authorities’ appointee, since he holds an office in the Government, Pashinyan said. But the history of the previous appointments indicates that in the post of the ombudsman people with time manifest a principled stance unexpected to everyone, he noted.

In the MP's words, Armenia’s ex-Ombudsman Larisa Alaverdyan had a cooperation experience with ex-President Robert Kocharyan and current President Serzh Sargsyan, and the society was aware of this. But thanks to her principled stance, Alaverdyan overcame the prejudice that she was the performer of the authorities’ will.

She was then followed by Armen Harutyunyan. He had a stronger pro-governmental stigma. But in 2008, Harutyunyan made a step unexpected to everyone, making quite an objective report on March 1 events.

Karen Andreasyan was known for his very specific ties with specific representatives of the authorities. But during the recent three years he carried out his work at a high level and had to resign since he had deviated from the path drawn by the authorities, Pashinyan said.

“I wish to think that the institute of the Ombudsman has passed a certain path of establishment. It forces those who hold that post to form a certain image and model of conduct. That’s why the new candidates must be treated with a presumption of confidence, and not otherwise.

A circle of mid-ranking professionals has been formed in the governmental service. They were received so as the authorities are able to make up their genuine face with educated and active people.  Unfortunately, they are restrained [in their activity] as much as possible. But we know that you exist and that you do your best, although you cannot do much. And we want to help you do more for the benefit of Armenia,” the MP concluded.