Turmoil in Artsakh: Why is Samvel Babayan Collecting Signatures?

The newspaper "Hraparak" reports: "Samvel Babayan has initiated a signature collection in Artsakh. If the necessary number of signatures is gathered, it is possible to apply to the parliament with a proposal to amend the Constitution. The signatures being collected aim to change the citizenship norm. According to the Artsakh Constitution, if a person has not resided permanently in Artsakh for 10 years, they cannot run for president.

Babayan's supporters have proposed that if a person has lived in Armenia for 10 years, this should also be considered a legal norm for acquiring Artsakh citizenship. 'Of course, this is primarily for Samvel Babayan himself, because he does not meet the 10-year residence requirement in Artsakh, although he might in Armenia; however, this approach also opens the field for other candidates living in Armenia.'

For example, currently, Robert Kocharian's name is also being circulated here in Artsakh as a potential presidential candidate. Why just him? Why not the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, Armen Grigoryan, or others who could also claim candidacy? 'Well, yes, we also want to understand for whom this amendment is mainly being made,'” the article continues.

For more details, refer to today's issue of the newspaper.