YEREVAN.- Every MP has to answer for simultaneously running a business and holding a parliamentary seat, said Vice Speaker of Armenian parliament Samvel Balasanyan.

Commenting on the list of 76 Armenian MPs who run businesses recently presented by the opposition, Balasanyan said he had abandoned business since March 1999.

“I left my business as demanded by the Constitution. At the moment my sons are running a beer factory in the city of Gyumri, I do not have shares,” he said at the Friday briefing in parliament.

Asked what measures should be taken if the MP is proved to run a business, Balasanyan said “no steps should be taken”.

“Most likely, none of the elected MPs runs a business. In any case, everyone should be responsible for his actions. As a Vice Speaker I reiterate constitution’s demand that officials should not have business. I fully support it,” he stressed.