We have not had a single instance where Mr. Khundkaryan has been a puppet, says Alen Simonian

We do not want to have a Constitutional Court that will be puppet-like or affiliated with the government. The power will establish a Constitutional Court that will be new and principled. This was stated by Deputy Speaker Alen Simonian during a conversation with journalists in the National Assembly today, September 15.

"I do not consider that we have betrayed anyone here. It is necessary to understand who the speakers are. I assure you that no matter what candidate we present, there will always be different interests. Various commentators and analysts always have their perceptions. Some circles of civil society have different perspectives, and the ruling faction has another perspective," he said.

In response to the question of whether the crisis of the Constitutional Court has been resolved, Alen Simonian replied, "There is still a lot of time to pass, and we have a lot of work to do not only in the Constitutional Court but throughout the judicial system."

Regarding the observation that on one hand, the government claims it does not want a puppet Constitutional Court, while on the other hand, it elected Yervand Khundkaryan, who is accused of being a tool and puppet of the previous authorities, Alen Simonian said, "I disagree with that. I believe that during this period, Mr. Khundkaryan is one of those people with whom we have not had a single instance of him being in the role of a puppet. I do not involve myself in judging people; I express our opinion that Mr. Khundkaryan can fulfill the duties of a Constitutional Court judge."

He dismissed claims that there were pressures or suggestions from the executive power to vote in favor of these candidates. "Our faction discussed and made a unified decision, which was then implemented," said the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.