With a vote 91-0, the Armenian parliament approved Thursday, May 26, President Serzh Sargsyan’s proposal for declaration of amnesty for 396 people to be released and 379 to have their sentence cut.

Presenting the proposal on Wednesday Justice Minister Hrayr Tovmasyan said that “declaration of amnesty is a humane initiative and demonstration of the President’s good will.” “This is a move that can unite the nation. We must change our public life and have a civilized dialogue,” he said, adding that amnesty does not mean loss of vigilance.

Later the day he asked to postpone the vote for a day to present the final version of the proposal.

President Sargsyan offered the National Assembly to declare amnesty on occasion of the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, the proposal being based on article 81.1.1 of the RA Constitution and article 90 of the law on National Assembly regulations.