I Have No Intention of "Flattering" Arpineh: Armen Ashotyan

The Vice President of the Republican Party of Armenia, Armen Ashotyan, wrote on his Facebook page: "The Ministry of Justice has published the results of the selection of candidates for the professional commission on constitutional reforms, comprised of members who are legal experts and representatives of civil society organizations. As you may recall, Arpine Hovnanyan also applied to work in this commission. I have absolutely no intention of "flattering" Arpineh; there is no need to list her vast professional qualifications.

And here, Arpineh has not been included in the commission by the Ministry of Justice. Until today, it remains unclear on what principles the so-called competition was conducted. I do not wish to discuss the merits of those selected for the commission, but the question remains open: how many of those selected are actually more competent professionally than Arpineh? It is evident that her exclusion is solely the result of a political decision. The authorities are afraid to hear alternative professional opinions. They are not prepared for real substantive work. The process of constitutional amendments has never been inclusive from the start. They only need the 'loyal'.

Dear citizens, please do not send me messages and comments like, 'Mr. Ashotyan, you are a smart and capable force, instead of criticizing, try to help Nikol.' This 'competition' has indeed proven that these authorities do not want assistance; they are not 'collaborative'. The process of constitutional amendments has been flawed from the outset."