YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–The supreme judicial body of Armenia–the Court of Appeals–will not be performing the functions of a classical court of appeal in the next six months–reported Minister of Justice David Haroutiunian. The Court of Appeals as such will start functioning from January 12–1999–when laws aimed at realizing judicial reforms in the republic come into effect–the Justice Minister said at a news conference Friday–stressing the importance of establishing a new supreme judicial system in Armenia. He pointed out that a special law had been adopted for the transitional period and for this period the Court of Appeals will mainly perform the functions of the Supreme Court of Armenia.
"When there is a division of functions many problems are immediately solved and the system starts functioning more correctly," said Haroutiunian. He noted that it is not possible to establish an ideal judicial power for one year with a single stroke of the pen. "However–it is very important what steps are being taken and in what direction. I consider it to be a step forward," said Haroutiunian–adding that the Ministry of Justice would do everything for an independent judicial power to be established in Armenia.