‘We Face Two Groups of Issues Regarding Democracy’: Pashinyan

As much as we talk about our democracy, we must acknowledge that our democracy is not without its clouds, as we are confronted with two groups of problems. This was stated by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during his speech at the 'Armenian Democracy Forum' on May 20.

He specifically mentioned: 'The first group of issues is faced by all democratic countries in the world. This issue is the following: the use of democracy against democracy. You know that today all democratic nations are encountering this challenge. It is the phenomenon where democratic principles are used to destroy democracy.'

'On this path, we must record our strategy on how we will overcome this challenge. My strong conviction is that the best way to overcome this challenge is the establishment of democratic institutions and the democratization of state institutions in all the well-known aspects of the term—functioning of state institutions based on professionalism, legality, transparency, and accountability.'

'Today, one of our greatest challenges is, of course, the judicial system, for which we are criticized by many present in this hall for not making progress in terms of reforms. We consider that criticism to be objective and justified, although we perhaps criticize ourselves as well. On the other hand, we may know more deeply the issues we are dealing with. Perhaps some of our colleagues who criticize us know equally well but still do not consider this a justification; while others may not understand as deeply, and they also do not see it as an excuse. However, we are determined to move forward decisively in this regard and must be consistent in this direction.'

Also present at the event were the President of the National Assembly Alen Simonian, the President of the Constitutional Court Arman Dilanyan, Vice Presidents of the National Assembly Hakob Arshakyan, Ruben Rubinyan, members of parliament, government officials, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Andrea Victorin, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy, Director of Freedom House programs in Europe and Eurasia Mark Behrendt, and representatives of civil society and expert circles.