Melkumyan Expresses Discontent Over Absence of Deputy Foreign Ministers, 'My Step' Responds: 'BHK Is Not Attending Sessions'

During an extraordinary session of the National Assembly, deputies from the 'My Step' and 'Prosperous Armenia' factions debated, accusing each other of bringing agendas that do not correspond to the current situation, of failing to attend committee and council meetings, and of not ensuring proper representation from the Foreign Ministry in budget discussions.

According to Armenpress, Mikayel Melkumyan from the 'Prosperous Armenia' faction expressed dissatisfaction that no deputy minister of foreign affairs attended the joint session of the National Assembly committees discussing the execution of the budget the previous day, stating that only the head of the financial department was present. “I believe that if the National Assembly is at work, adopting decisions and laws, we must respect ourselves and not let this issue go unnoticed. We ask questions and are told that due to being busy, no deputy minister of foreign affairs was present. Do we respect ourselves or not? This is an institution; if we are having discussions and want to pass laws, we must demand accountability from the executive,” he said, adding that since yesterday they have not known who is fulfilling the duties of the Minister of Foreign Affairs or who the deputies are.

He insisted that this should not go without consequences and called for explanations from the agency that failed to attend the committee meetings.

Vladimir Vardanyan from 'My Step' responded to Melkumyan's remarks. “When was the last time representatives from the 'Prosperous Armenia' faction participated in a session of the Permanent Committee on State and Legal Issues? When did you participate in council meetings?” he pointed out, emphasizing the importance of the public understanding who is working in the National Assembly and who is merely idling.

Regarding the attendance of state officials, Vardanyan stated, “Do you need institutions or individuals? The institutions are represented, issues are being discussed, and the budget discussions continue.”

Following this, Arman Abovyan from 'Prosperous Armenia' remarked, “The agendas you bring after the war do not correspond to the situation in Armenia. Should we be discussing the production of hemp with you?” He urged Vardanyan not to instruct 'Prosperous Armenia' on when to attend and where to participate or how to vote. “And it is a big question of who is engaging in what leisure activities,” noted Abovyan.

Melkumyan spoke again on the topic, after which Vardanyan reminded that all of them in the National Assembly are receiving salaries from taxpayers. “Our citizens pay taxes by working through hard means for us. Each of us has the same authorities; we are all obligated to work equally. If one works from morning to night while another is absent and does not participate in council, committee, or plenary sessions, is that normal? Does that correspond to the interests of Armenia, and do those absences not lead to the criticism that the National Assembly receives every day?” he said.

Additional remarks on this topic were made by Ruben Rubinyan and Lilit Makunts.