YEREVAN. – The first session of the National Assembly (NA) of the 7th convocation of Armenia on Monday commenced with the playing of the national anthem.

The oldest MP, 74-year-old Knyaz Hasanov who represents the Kurdish community, is chairing the sitting until the NA Speaker is elected.

Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II delivered welcoming remarks, and he blessed the new MPs and the legislature.

Subsequently, President Armen Sarkissian delivered welcoming remarks.

Afterwards, the new lawmakers swore in, and whose text was read by the person chairing the session.

Next, the person chairing the session formally announced the total number of deputies and introduced them, whereupon the MPs registered.