Rustamian: Dual Citizenship to Contribute to Organization of Armenianhood

PanARMENIAN.Net - National Assembly Foreign Relations Committee on Friday held hearings titled "Dual Citizenship: International Law and Experience," attended by representatives of political parties and non-governmental organizations. The hearings were initiated by the NA's Armenian Revolutionary Federation Dashnaktsutyun faction. Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Armen Rustamian noted in his opening remarks that such discussion would be held regularly to study in detail the international practice and make the future law more consistent with the international standards.



"The dual citizenship is a crucial issue to us and it we should discuss it comprehensively in order to adopt a law that would flawlessly contribute to organization of Armenians and strengthening of Armenia," Rustamian said. Science and Education Minister Levon Mkrtchian made a report on the international regulation of the dual citizenship, noting that the discussion has been going on for over 10 years. But following the latest amendments to the constitution, a new situation has emerged, Mkrtchian noted. Constitutional Court President Gagik Harutiunian, in turn, reminded that only 54 out of 191 member states of the United Nations recognize the dual citizenship, and that in 1950's many voiced concerns about it. Therefore, Harutiunian said, it is critical to adopt such law that would dismiss those concerns. Other politicians and experts also presented their views, reported Yerkir.