YEREVAN. – Armenia itself should decide on the issue of early retirement of judges, as the introduction of a mechanism from outside may have a negative impact on the judicial system. Georgian Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Thea Tsulukiani said this at a joint news conference with Armenian Justice Minister Rustam Badasyan on December 9.

She noted that Georgia has undergone various reforms since the 1990s, including by sending judges to early retirement.

"This reform has had both complications and a positive impact," she added. "But it cannot be said whether it will work for Armenia."

The Armenian government has initiated a bill proposing to send the serving judges the Constitutional Court to early retirement, but maintaining their current salaries and bonuses.