The boycott of the Parliament’s special session is an effective political step in harmony with the current situation. The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) is thus showing its disagreement with the Government’s methods of work, Hrair Karapetyan (ARF), Chairman of the Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs, RA Parliament, told NEWS.am, commenting on the MP Larisa Alaverdyan’s statement that the ARF “leaves the way open to the authorities” by leaving the assembly hall without struggle.

It is the government’s traditional method of work – pushing through most important bills on the eve of holidays. “This is the reason why the ARF decided to address a letter to the Parliament Speaker and Government, asking for the agenda to be revised. We also proposed the removal of a number of issues and bills from the agenda and voting on a number of laws in their first reading. As regards the second reading, we want the Parliament members to have time to get acquainted with the bills and discuss them later,” he said.

As regards the Heritage faction’s position Karapetyan said: “It is a question: which of the methods is more effective – boycotting the Parliament’s sittings or being present to make semblance of opposition. This is what the Heritage faction is doing thereby legitimizing discussions and voting on the bills.”

Some MPs think that their “stock speeches” can change the course of the events. The ARF disagrees with them.

As regards the reasons for the Government’s behavior, Karapetyan pointed out that it is bias, as the bills might have been submitted earlier for the standing committees to be able to thoroughly discuss them. They are most important bills dealing with the Armenian economy. “It is wrong to put many bills on the agenda at the end of this year, on the eve of holidays. This is the main reason for the ARF boycotting the Parliament’s sittings,” he said.

As regards Larisa Alaverdyan’s opinion that the Government is showing disrespect for Parliament, Karapetyan partially shares it. “To an extent I share Mrs. Alaverdyan’s opinion that the Government’s behavior is disrespect for Parliament. However, the problem is to enhance the Parliament’s reputation. The Parliament’s function is not to rubber-stamp legislation,” the MP said.
The Government has removed a number of bills from the agenda of the Parliament’s special session, considering the ARF-submitted proposal. Karapetyan said that the ARF faction will take part in further sittings.