Second Reading Approved for Notable Anti-Smoking Bill

The National Assembly has approved in the second reading a package of bills on "Reducing and Preventing Health Damage Caused by the Use of Tobacco Products and Their Substitutes." Opinions were expressed in the Assembly regarding the anti-smoking initiative.

Prior to the vote, Babken Tunyan, a member of the "My Step" faction, noted that discussions had taken place within the faction and with the government. He welcomed the initiative, but mentioned that there are some problematic issues, leading to differing opinions among the deputies, hence "My Step" will vote freely.

Tunyan suggested approving the bill and then rectifying the gaps through legislative initiatives in the Assembly. Sasun Mikayelyan believes the draft should be withdrawn, revised, and presented anew, rather than creating a working group after the law's adoption. Nevertheless, the bill was approved with 76 votes in favor, 16 against, and 7 abstentions.