YEREVAN. – Sixteenth congress of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) got underway on Saturday. (photos)

As tradition, the event kicked off with the singing of the Armenian national anthem, and the reciting of the Lord’s Prayer.

At the start of the convention, RPA Chairman—and President of Armenia—Serzh Sargsyan announced that 1,790 delegates were elected to participate in this event.  

In addition, about 200 guests are invited to this congress. They represent thirteen political parties of Armenia as well as the ruling Yedinaya Rossiya (United Russia) Party of Russia, the European People’s Party (EPP), and the Communist Party of China.

At the event, Sargsyan will deliver a keynote address, the party chairman and executive board will be elected, and amendments will be made to the RPA platform and charter.