Random Actions of Armenian Delegation at PACE: Why Hovhannes Igitian Did Not Participate in the Vote

As reported by the 'Zhoghovurd' daily, it became known that the voting rights of the Russian Federation's delegation were restored at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) with a ratio of 118 votes in favor and 62 against. Since yesterday morning, the behavior of two members of the Armenian delegation from the ruling party has been widely discussed within PACE.

Initially, it was announced that Ruben Rubinyan had voted against; later, it was stated that it had happened by accident, and then it became known that Hovhannes Igitian did not participate in the vote. This suggests that the avoidance displayed by the ruling 'My Step' faction is actually the government's position.

However, according to information from the 'Zhoghovurd' daily, it was previously discussed by the narrow composition of the faction regarding the possible vote on the voting rights of Russia, and a decision was made to vote in favor. But in Strasbourg, it suddenly turned out that Ruben Rubinyan accidentally voted against, while Hovhannes Igitian, perhaps just as accidentally, did not participate in the vote.

Instead of providing a valid explanation as to why the parliamentary representatives of the ruling party treated such a significant issue for our strategic partner Russia in such a cavalier manner, Rubinyan was criticizing those who criticized him online.

Incidentally, yesterday the 'Zhoghovurd' newspaper received information that Hovhannes Igitian's action was actually motivated by other circumstances, and he had an agreement to act this way with the Ukrainian delegates. He had also informed the members of the Armenian delegation and explained his action by this circumstance.

However, communication with Igitian was unsuccessful; he did not respond to phone calls or messages. For comments, 'Zhoghovurd' contacted the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Alen Simonian, who stated in an interview that there is no intrigue to be found in what happened: 'The Armenian delegation is in favor of the return of the Russian delegation. Everything happened exactly as it has already been presented. Ruben Rubinyan's vote against was technical, and Hovhannes Igitian simply did not participate.'

Details are available in today's issue of the newspaper.