Russia Concerned Over Democratic Processes in Post-Soviet Area

16 January 2006

The practice has shown that strengthening democracy in the post-Soviet republics
leads to their reorientation from allied relations with Russia to integration
with Europe, the leader of the opposition National-Democratic Party Shavarsh
Kocharyan.


www.hra.am/eng/?page=issue&id=15647

Struggle Continues In Buzand

16 January 2006

Three families continue to struggle in the Buzand street demanding full
compensation for their property. Despite their efforts, one of the last houses
in the Buzand 15 is being leveled to earth.


www.hra.am/eng/?page=issue&id=15653

Larissa Alaverdyan: Armenian President's Order to Set Up an Ad-Hog
Commission for Running Ombudsman Office Is Legally Groundless

12 January 2006

Armenian President's order to set up an ad-hog commission for running ombudsman
office is legally groundless, Armenian Ombudswoman Larissa Alaverdyan told
journalists on Wednesday. She said she had no problems with the commission
members, however, she have made it clear that they comply with an order not
justified by the law. Under the law, the ombudsman institution's staff is being
formed and directly run by the Ombudsman. The presidential decree was based on
identifying concept "term of duty fulfilment" with "term of enjoying powers".
Alaverdyan pointed out that legal practice in Armenia allowed the first
Ombudsman to stay in office until a new Ombudsman appointment. She noted that
the law could be properly amended yet in December 2005, at the last
extraordinary parliamentary session. Alaverdyan thinks appropriate bodies missed
the month they had after amending the Constitution on November 27. Under the
amended Constitution, Ombudsman's term in office expires on January 5.
Alaverdyan sees necessity in convening an extraordinary parliamentary session.
She said she hadn't appeal to international organizations, because thinks the
matter can be settled inside Armenia. Larissa Alaverdyan also said she is not
opposed to remain in office for another term adding that her candidacy will be
put up by opposition parliamentary fraction of Justice.

It should be noted that Armenian Ombudsman's term in office has come to the end
on January 5, 2006. Armenian President Robert Kocharyan issued a decree on
January 4, 2006, ordering to set up a commission for running the ombudsman
administration. The commission was headed by Arushan Hakobyan, Constitutional
Court Administartion Chief, Martin Zakaryan, Deputy Chief of Presidential Staff,
and Justice Ministry Staff Chief Nune Khachatryan. M.V.


www.hra.am/eng/?page=issue&id=15643


www.hra.am/eng/?page=issue&id=15644