National Anthem of Armenia Amended as Bill Passes

The National Assembly today approved the bill on amendments to the "Law on the National Anthem of the Republic of Armenia" in the second reading and definitively with 64 votes in favor, 5 against, and 0 abstentions. The "Armenia faction" did not participate in the voting. Faction leader Seyran Ohanyan declared that they will propose new amendment bills in the future.

The proposal for amendments was made by the Speaker of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan, as well as by members of the "Civil Contract" faction Sisak Gabrielyan and Taguhi Ghazaryan. According to the draft law, the last quatrain of the national anthem is to become the second, while the second and third quatrains will become the third and fourth, respectively: “Look at it in three colors, a sacred symbol, let it stand against the enemy, let Armenia always be glorious.”

According to ruling party members, there should be a unified standard for one of Armenia's most important symbols, including a specific text, duration, music, rhythm, and a single approach to a short version of the anthem within a range of 25-30 seconds. Additionally, the anthem must begin and end with references to Armenia.

After the changes to the law, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport will publish the official version of the national anthem on the official website of the government of Armenia. There will also be an official recording of the anthem in several versions, both a cappella and with just orchestral performance.