Parliamentary Dispute: Marukyan and BHK MP Clash

A heated debate occurred earlier in parliament between members of the "Prosperous Armenia" and "Bright Armenia" factions.

The Secretary of the BHK faction, Arman Abovyan, addressed the earlier speech of Arman Babajanyan from the LHK faction. Babajanyan had criticized Armenia's foreign policy, pointing out that over the years, individuals with questionable biographies and criminal pasts had been appointed as ambassadors by Armenia, highlighting the example of former Armenian ambassador to Ukraine, Andranik Manukyan.

“Mr. Babajanyan, you are probably aware that I served as an advisor to the Armenian ambassador to Ukraine, Andranik Manukyan, for three years. The theses you presented in your speech have mainly been imported into the Armenian information space by Azerbaijan. What compels you to promote neo-Azerbaijani theses from this podium?” Arman Abovyan directed towards Babajanyan.

He noted that the results of Manukyan’s work had been evident when, during the Ukrainian revolution, the Armenian community was the only one that did not suffer mass casualties, and that pro-Artsakh broadcasts were aired on Ukrainian television. Abovyan recounted that Manukyan served Armenia’s interests at the risk of his own life, stating, “The Azerbaijani side did everything to have Andranik Manukyan recalled from his position as ambassador.”

Members of the LHK faction attempted to respond to Arman Abovyan from their seats, prompting intervention from BHK lawmakers as well.

As a result, a dispute erupted between LHK faction leader Edmon Marukyan and BHK MP Hrant Madatyan. Following the intervention of other deputies and the Chairman of the National Assembly, Araarat Mirzoyan, the argument was subdued.

“I ask that you maintain respect for the institution of deputies, towards each other and towards the Chairman of the Assembly. In the future, I ask that if there is a need for such speeches and clarifications, you do it outside the chamber,” Araarat Mirzoyan addressed the deputies.