December 6, 2011 - 14:49 AMT
Samvel Nikoyan elected as parliament speaker

Today, December 6, Samvel Nikoyan was elected to the post of Armenian National Assembly speaker.

During the secret ballot, the candidacy of the vice speaker of parliament, the ruling Republican Party of Armenia nominee, Nikoyan was supported by 102 votes, while Heritage opposition party candidate Larisa Alaverdyan received 4 votes.

Following his election, Nikoyan thanked his supporters for trust extended and pledged to justify it in full acknowledgment of responsibility his post entails.

Upon completion of his speech, Nikoyan gave a bouquet of flowers to his contender, Mrs. Alaverdyan.

Discussions on 2012 draft state budget are now in progress at the National Assembly.

On November 1, parliament speaker Hovik Abrahamyan announced his resignation to head RPA electoral headquarters and more effectively conduct the campaign. Abrahamyan officially resigned at November 14 parliamentary sitting.