YEREVAN (Arka) — By a vote of 96 to 7, Arman Tatoyan was elected by the National Assembly as a new human rights defender of Armenia on February 23.
Tatoyan was the only candidate for the post. Of 107 ballots four were recognized invalid, the head of the temporary counting commission Sukias Avetisyan said.
After being sworn in Tatoyan thanked the lawmakers saying that he was ready to cooperate with all members of parliament.
Speaking earlier at the National Assembly, Tatoyan said the institution of the human rights defender should not be regarded as a counterweight to the authorities. Instead it should act as a partner authorized to point out the shortcomings of the authorities and help establish a dialogue to solve problems.
Tatoyan described any violation of human rights as inadmissible, saying he will emphasize the development of regional systems to improve accessibility of his office’s services.
Tatoyan is a lawyer by training. He is a graduate of the Yerevan State University and has a PhD. He will have to step down now as a Deputy Justice Minister and Deputy Representative of Armenia at the European Court of Human Rights.
The previous human rights defender Karen Andreasyan resigned on February 1. Karen Andreasyan was the third ombudsman of Armenia. He was elected in March 2011.
