YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–President Robert Kocharian signed a decree on the appointment of 23 judges of the courts of first instance and the Court of Appeals on September 25–and on Wednesday–the newly appointed judges swore to be impartial and just. The Council of Justice hosted the ceremony–and President Kocharian was in attendance.
President Kocharian who is also the Chairman of the Council of Justice–pointed out that having assumed their duties–the judges are entitled to try cases on behalf of the Republic of Armenia. He said that the lawfulness and justness of their verdicts will shape the people’s attitude towards the juridical system in the country. "Each of you–as a judge–molds the attitude of the people toward the most important government institution," said Kocharian. He said that judicial system is one of the axial columns of the country. The President reminded the audience and the judges that close to three years ago there were violent debates concerning the reforms of the judicial system–specialists and political powers had divergent opinions," said the president.
Kocharian says that the role of the judicial system is not limited to the settlement of court debates. He is convinced that it is impossible to have a powerful economy and a large amount of investmen’s if the judicial system if investor are not sure that in case of any problems–the judges will deliver a just and lawful verdict. "It is impossible to build a democratic–civic society if there is no competent–dedicated–and just judicial system," Kocharian said.
The president expressed confidence that the judges will perform their duties with honor and will contribute to the formation of statehood.