January 27 Proposed as Memorial and Non-Working Day: Ruben Rubinyan

The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Ruben Rubinyan, has presented a draft law amending the "Law on Holidays and Memorial Days of the Republic of Armenia" for second reading and full adoption, proposing that January 27 be designated as a memorial day for those who fell while defending the homeland, and declared a non-working day.

Rubinyan noted that only one change has been made to the draft after its first reading. According to him, the law will come into force immediately rather than on the 10th day following its official publication. This was stated by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.

He reminded that the draft is based on the 2000 law "On Eternalizing the Memory of Those Who Fell Defending the Homeland," which stipulates that one of the main forms of memorialization is the adoption of significant nationwide memorial days. Rubinyan emphasized that until now there has been no such memorial day, and it is essential to have one to honor those who fell defending the homeland, especially in light of recent events, the established peace, and the fact that the best way to honor the fallen is to live peacefully and prosperously.

The Deputy Speaker also explained why January 27 was chosen. He stated that no date related to a military event was chosen to avoid questions about why that particular day was selected. At the same time, a day with symbolic significance was chosen, as January 28 marks Army Day. Thus, January 27 is intended to commemorate those who fell defending the homeland, while January 28 is set to celebrate Army Day.

Rubinyan recalled that during the first reading discussion, some opposition MPs were not pleased with the chosen date. He mentioned that attempts were made to reach a consensus, and various dates were suggested, but they were deemed unacceptable for various reasons. He indicated that this is why the initial proposal was reverted, which was considered the most logical.

The Deputy Speaker expressed his belief that this is a draft that the National Assembly should adopt with consensus, and he urged not to politicize it and to vote in favor.