Zharangutyun delays voting on recognition of Karabakh's independence

In a session today Armenia's National Assembly delayed the discussion of a draft law submitted by Zharangutyun (Heritage) proposing to recognize the independence of Nagorno Karabakh.

"I suggested Raffi Hovhanissian [Zharangutyun's founder and leader] to delay it, and he agreed, and that was a right decision to make; the rules allow that. We will try to meet the opposition within 15 days, discuss [the issue] and reach a consensus,"
Chairperson of Armenia's National Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan told journalist after the session.

Addressing the parliament Raffi Hovhanissian said that one day they will recognize Karabakh's independence.

"I think that that good time will come when we will all say 'that now it is high time for recognition of NK's independence,'" said he, adding that in his opinion Karabakh's independence will not affect the peace talks over the settlement of that conflict. "I ask you to respect that viewpoint too."

Saying that the recognition of Nagorno Karabakh's independence is pan-national issue for Armenia, he asked the legislators to make the issue subject for nationwide discussion.

Further Mr Hovhanissian said that they delay the voting until the next four-day session.