G. Harutyunian: Constitutional reforms to be implemented in late 2015

Initially, it was planned to submit the draft concept by April 20, but in connection with large volumes of work, the commission asked the president to extend the date until July 1, the head of the specialized commission on constitutional reforms, Chairman of Armenia’s Constitutional Court Gagik Harutyunian told reporters today following the consultation with President Serzh Sargsyan.

“After June 1 the president will present his position and if the concept is accepted, we will have to submit a package of reforms within ten months and then public and parliamentary discussions of the package will be conducted,” Harutyunian said.

As regards the term of implementing constitutional amendments, Gagik Harutyunian did not indicate a date. He noted that the concept will be realized in late 2015 and early 2016, adding that it is inexpedient to start the process later as parliamentary and presidential elections will be held in Armenia in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

“In other words, these changes should be made at least one year before the elections,” Gagik Harutyunian said.