Government ministers' oath set for revision

PanARMENIAN.Net - A draft amendment to the law “On the Structure and Activities of the Government” has been submitted for discussion, proposing changes to the oath taken by members of Armenia’s government. The draft was presented by the Ministry of Justice.

According to the explanatory note, the proposed changes are intended to more clearly reflect the values of strengthening statehood, protecting public and state interests, and ensuring the development and continuity of the Republic of Armenia, reports Armenpress.

The bill proposes a new wording for Part 2 of Article 4 of the law adopted on March 23, 2018.

Under the proposed version, newly appointed government members would take the following oath:

“For the continuity, sovereignty and development of the Republic of Armenia, I swear to conscientiously fulfill my duties as a member of the Government, uphold the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Armenia, serve the public interest, protect the state interest, contribute to the strengthening of the statehood and constitutional order of the Republic of Armenia, and act in the interests of present and future generations.”

If adopted, the amendment is expected to ensure that the oath more fully reflects the scope of responsibility associated with assuming office, as well as the fundamental values underlying state authority.

The document stipulates that the law would enter into force on the day following its official publication.

The authors of the draft are National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan and Members of Parliament Arusyak Julhakyan and Hasmik Hakobyan.

The current oath reads:

“For the realization of nationwide goals and the strengthening and prosperity of the homeland, I swear to conscientiously fulfill my obligations to the people, uphold the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Armenia, contribute to safeguarding the sovereignty and interests of the Republic of Armenia, and do everything possible to preserve civic solidarity and national and universal values.”

The phrases “for the realization of nationwide goals” and “for the preservation of national and universal values” would be removed from the text.