YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Khosrov Harutiunian reiterated at a Tuesday news conference that the power shift in Armenia was within the limits of the Constitution. He said that the peaceful shift in power came as a result of the maturity of Armenian society and all civil and political forces. He considered the recent goings-on a significant gain in the normal course of political processes.
Harutiunian said that all political parties represented in the National Assembly are actively participating in parliamentary procedures. According to him–this allows for the creation of an atmosphere of tolerance within the National Assembly.
Harutiunian explained that political compromise is necessary to settle certain issues–and therefore the involvement of all parliamentary committees–deputy groups and factions is highly appreciated.
Harutiunian offered assurance that deputy groups and factions will actively participate in appointing deputy-speakers and chairmen of standing committees. "I have been holding relevant meetings for the second day already and I am sure that we will arrive at a common agreement. I view my election to the post of Speaker a result of political compromise–and believe that deputy chairmen and chairmen of standing committees need to be elected in a similar fashion," Harutiunian said.