Armenia has a full-fledged Human Rights Defender Institution, and the next Ombudsman can carry out serious work on this basis, Armenian Ombudsman Armen Harutyunyan told journalists February 2.

If all the legal requirements for Ombudsman are met, Armenia will have a good human rights defender. According to him, he has not officially discussed any candidates with anyone.

However, Harutyunyan has warned his prospective successor that he should be ready for political blackmail by means of mass media. He explained that in carrying out his activities he was able remain neutral and was politically blackmailed for that.

Armenian News-NEWS.am reminds readers that the RA Ombudsman submitted his resignation to the National Assembly of Armenia on February 1, 2011.

Armen Harutyunyan was appointed RA Ombudsman on February 26, 2006.