Armenian opposition MP sees no real controversies between Control Chamber, PM

The conflicting statements made recently by the Control Chamber and the prime minister result very probably from internal disagreements, a senior Armenian oppositionist has said, ruling out the possibility of essential controversies.

Speaking to Tert.am, the deputy leader of the opposition Heritage party, Armen Martirosyan, noted that the recent counter-debate proved the reasonability of the opposition’s earlier proposal for having authorities in the Chamber.

“We would have several solutions in case of a content-based debate,” he said, considering a snap presidential election, a new government formation and the creation of an anti-corruption body the possible proposals that could have stemmed from a serious debate.

“The opposition could, in the meantime, appoint its delegated members in that body,” Martirosyan added.

Speaking at the Controls Chamber on Thursday, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan addressed the Chamber’s 2012 report which had spurred heated debates at the National Assembly. The Chamber’s President Ishkhan Zakaryan, who introduced the report, refrained form political statements in his speech, noting that their competences are limited only to expert opinions.

The prime minister said later at the cabinet meeting that the ministers’ reports have nothing to do with the materials submitted by the cabinet members.

Martirosyan said that the society would see essential changes (instead of disputes between officials) had their proposals been approved. He cited the Czech prime minister’s recent resignation as a good example of that.

Asked whether he thinks that the opposition will be honest in case of being represented in the Chamber, Martirosyan answered in the negative. “Who said that I insist the opposition members are absolutely honest?”

The politician noted, however, that the opposition would have managed to ensure a counterbalance mechanism at least. According to him, a left-wing political force having a representative in the Chamber would be responsible enough to follow its representative’s work and recall him any time it finds his or her work not satisfactory.

“The opposition has to have a chance to implement reforms; it takes on a political responsibility for the given person [its representative in the Chamber],” he said.