In an urgent statement posted on its official Twitter page, the Centrist Democrat International (CDI) has given its assessment of the events taking place around the Constitutional Court in Armenia. The statement reads as follows:

CDI observes with great concern that, despite the fact that the Venice Commission has underscored that the proposal for constitutional amendments in Armenia is not in line with its recommendations, the ruling majority of the Armenian Parliament has pushed it forward in an unprecedented expedite manner.

Such approach puts under serious question the legitimacy of these amendments and is considered a serious step back for the rule of law and the independence of judiciary in the country.

We call on Armenian authorities to refrain from this unacceptable modus operandi and to reverse the process in order to stay in compliance with the recommendations of the Venice Commission and to act in accordance with European values and principles.

We will continue to closely monitor further developments in the country.