The text of the oath taken by members of Armenia's National Assembly is set to change after the parliament's Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs approved the draft legislation at an extraordinary session on July 1.

The legislative initiative was introduced by National Assembly deputies Alen Simonyan, Arusyak Julhakyan and Hasmik Hakobyan.

Presenting the bill, Arusyak Julhakyan, chair of the Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs, said the proposed amendments are intended to place greater emphasis on strengthening statehood, safeguarding sovereignty and protecting human rights. She said that, in the modern system of governance, national aspirations have evolved into state interests, making it necessary to replace the phrase "national goals" at the beginning of the oath with a commitment to the continuity and development of the Republic of Armenia.

The proposed oath reads:

"For the continuity, independence, sovereignty and strengthening of the Republic of Armenia, I swear to conscientiously fulfill the duties of a representative of the people, uphold the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Armenia, contribute to strengthening Armenia's statehood and protecting its interests, and do everything to promote civic solidarity, the security and well-being of the citizens of the Republic of Armenia, and the protection of human rights and freedoms. Glory to the martyrs, and long live the Republic of Armenia."

Lawmakers emphasized that the proposed changes are based on a state-centered approach under which the protection of the state is placed at the core of an MP's responsibilities.

The revised text also includes a separate commitment to protecting human rights, while the addition of the phrase "Glory to the martyrs" at the end of the oath is intended to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the country's statehood.

Julhakyan said the amendments are designed to further emphasize lawmakers' responsibility to the state and provide clearer guidance for their future work.

In his accompanying report, MP Alkhas Ghazaryan stressed the importance of the bill and its necessity.

Deputy Justice Minister Tigran Dadunts, presenting the government's supportive position, said a similar amendment is also planned for the oath taken by members of the government.