I Must Thank MP Vilen Gabrielyan

The package of legislative proposals authored by MP Vilen Gabrielyan, concerning the "Regulation of Arms Circulation" and accompanying laws, was discussed in the second reading by the permanent committee on defense and security issues of the National Assembly of Armenia in its session today.

The package aims to regulate the circulation of weapons and military equipment in Armenia, introducing a culture of handling arms that focuses on citizens' self-defense and combat readiness. The author of the project informed that during the period between the first and second readings, proposals from the Government's partners were discussed and largely accepted in a working order, while agreements were reached on objections raised.

Armen Khachatryan, the vice-chairman of the permanent committee on defense and security issues, suggested voting in favor of the proposal. Arpine Sargsyan, the deputy minister of internal affairs of Armenia, noted that there was a proposal to allow investigators from the Military Investigative Main Department of the Investigative Committee to carry combat rifles, with an agreement reached with the project's author to implement this proposal.

It was suggested to discuss separately the issue of certain modifications to weapons regulations aimed at ensuring the safety of foreign ambassadors. The legislator and the Government reached consensus regarding Article 37 of the law; it is proposed to establish regulations about the return of weapons granted as awards to individuals who have health conditions that obstruct their possession of weapons.

The Government also proposed to refrain from making any changes to the Criminal Code. Arsen Ayvazyan, deputy head of the Investigative Committee, suggested establishing an exception in the proposal allowing investigators to carry only handguns of combat significance.

Arpine Sargsyan indicated that based on three fundamental principles—human rights, ongoing political policies, and regional operative regulations—the Government suggests refraining from the aforementioned modifications. “I understand that we have weapons associated with problematic situations. The Government's proposal is as follows: as long as service weapons are maintained in the region and according to EAEU regulations, these weapons exist and we must uphold the rules in our legislation,” said the deputy minister of internal affairs.

MPs exchanged thoughts on the differences, applications, and replacements of service and combat weapons. The legislative initiative received a positive conclusion. Project author Vilen Gabrielyan also stated, “I must thank MP Vilen Gabrielyan,” explaining that the issue under discussion had initially been considered by him and that he had removed the concept of service weapon from the proposal.