When There Are Serious Security Threats, I Cannot Sit and Discuss Tree Planting Legislation with Them - Vanetsyan

When the country faces serious security issues, we cannot discuss laws on tree planting with the authorities. This was stated by Arthur Vanetsyan, the leader of the "Honorary Duty" faction in the National Assembly, during an interview on "Azatutyun".

In response to the question of whether the parliamentary opposition could rectify the situation by expanding the agenda with one issue, including raising social, economic, health, and other problems of its electorate, which implies transitioning from mere speeches to substantive discussions, Vanetsyan replied:

"The 8th convocation of the parliament is the first parliament formed after the disgraceful capitulation. 450,000 people sent a united opposition force to the parliament with one agenda—to drive out this government. Because every additional day that this government remains at the helm leads to the weakening of our country, the loss of territories, and deaths. No matter how important the legislative initiatives on tree planting are, we cannot enter into substantive discussions about where trees should or shouldn't be planted. We have serious security threats. I was at the frontline on January 28, in the border villages, and I saw what problems exist in our villages, what the enemy is doing. What are we talking about? We have no security guarantees, which have resulted in unprecedented emigration on a large scale. We cannot enter into substantive discussions with these authorities who brought the country to such a dire state over some fake agendas," Vanetsyan responded.

According to him, if the issue concerns the interests and security of the state, then the opposition will stand united with the government. "But I cannot sit and discuss tree planting legislation with them," said Vanetsyan.