Reforms to the Law on Arms Circulation Regulation

On December 8, during its regular session, the National Assembly discussed for the first time the draft law on amendments and additions to the Law on Arms Circulation Regulation, authored by Vilena Gabrielian from the Civil Contract faction. According to the author, the main objective of the amendments is to regulate the relationships arising in connection with arms circulation in Armenia, aimed at the legislative realization of the citizen's right to self-defense through appropriate access to protective means.

The package also aims to legally regulate the conditions surrounding the use of civilian weapons by both natural and legal persons, as well as uphold the right to property. This information was reported by the Public Relations Department of the National Assembly.

The legislative changes are intended to standardize newly created legal relationships within the civilian arms circulation sector, as well as introduce and regulate new legal relationships focused on the development of the economy, sports, and shooting, overcoming potential corruption risks, reducing the quantity of illegal weapons, and gradually bringing the shadow circulation into the open.

Vilena Gabrielian reported that the government has submitted numerous proposals and objections, the majority of which have been accepted. The positive conclusion regarding the project was presented by the Deputy Chairman of the Permanent Commission on Defense and Security Armen Khachatryan. The Government's opinion was also positive, represented by the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan.

Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly Hakob Arshakyan noted in an extraordinary speech that the steps being taken in the field aim to regulate the sector. According to the Deputy Chairman, the adoption of the package will provide a comprehensive solution to all existing challenges. Hakob Arshakyan has also called on private investors to establish civilian shooting ranges in Armenia that meet international standards and operate at a professional level. “A large field is opening for investments,” believes the Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly.