YEREVAN (RFE/RL)–Albert Bazeyan–a leading figure in the largest Yerkrapah faction in the Armenian parliament–has reaffirmed his intention to step down as its deputy speaker–despite calls by his allies to withdraw the resignation.
"It is psychologically very difficult for me to continue my work in that post," he told the parliament on Tuesday.
Bazeyan tendered his resignation last week at the height of heated debates in parliament on the government’s privatization policy. He has said both the government and opposition are to blame for their bitter dispute that flared up into a confrontation during the parliament’s three-day emergency session.
President Robert Kocharian–deputies from Yerkrapah and their unofficial leader–Defense Minister Vazgen Sarkisian–urged Bazeyan not to resign following a meeting on Monday. But Bazeyan on Tuesday insisted that while "respecting views of the colleagues," the resignation is a "matter of honor and principles" for him.
The National Assembly will vote on Wednesday on whether to accept the resignation.