Recently, during an Armenia-Karabagh intergovernmental conference hosted in Stepanakert, parliamentarians of both countries discussed the plan of Karabagh’s Constitution.
As vice-president of the Karabagh National Assembly Rudik Hyusnunts said after the conference, the constitution will be passed by the end of this year. In response to the journalists’ question as to whether or not Karabagh’s constitution would be similar to that of Armenia, Mr. Hyusnunts said:
“Of course they will be similar, but we will include some things concerning Karabagh.”
A couple of days ago, “168 Hours” asked R. Hyusnunts if the constitution would really be passed by the end of this year. In response to this, the National Assembly vice-president said:
“Karabagh’s Constitution is being planned out in accordance with the plan confirmed by the state committee. The group working on the Karabagh Constitution has already completed the first two chapters, including “Constitutional Order” and “Main Human and Civic Rights”. The other six chapters are in the process of completion. I believe that citizens of Karabagh will have a constitution by the end of this year.”
Many are of the opinion that the National Assembly of Karabagh will not be able to pass the Constitution if things go at this rate. According to Karabagh National Assembly MP Maxim Mirzoyan, back in 1993, when he was still the deputy head of the Supreme Council, he had read a report on the necessity of a constitution three times.
“This issue has been delayed to this day and I don’t think that’s right. But as they say, “better late than never.” I think it’s time for Karabagh to have a constitution. It would be great if the National Assembly passes it this year. I’m not tying the passing of the Constitution with the upcoming 2007 presidential elections in Karabagh.”
Does Karabagh’s constitution really have to be like that of Armenia?
In response to this question, M. Mirzoyan said:
“No, I don’t accept that. Since Karabagh is still unrecognized as a state, we have to be careful. We must pass both the Constitution and any law or strategy adequate to the situation at hand. Our each step shouldn’t be standard because we are in a non-standard situation. As for the Armenian Constitution, I must say that there are a lot of points there, which simply wouldn’t be right to apply in Karabagh. In any case, it is necessary to have a committee. We will make corrections even if we come across any errors.”
For more information, “168 Hours” asked head of the Karabagh Constitution work group and chief prosecutor of Karabagh Arman Zalinyan, but the latter refused to answer to our questions, claiming that he is preparing to meet with journalists soon and give information.