President of Armenia urges members of new parliament not to disappoint voters

• Thursday, May 31, 17:38

Armenian Parliament of the 5th convocation convenes for the first time today, on May 31.

President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II have attended the first session. Mkrtich Minasyan, the oldest parliamentarian representing the ruling Republican Party, opened the session, ArmInfo's correspondent reports from the parliament.

Speaking at the session, President Sargsyan congratulated the parliamentarians and recounted that many of them have significant legislative experience. Considering that fact, the president expressed hope that within the coming 5 years the parliament will adopt laws that will ensure sustainable development and security of Armenia.

"I can still remember by impressions from the meetings with voters. Like all of you, I listened to and bear in mind all the problems and troubles of our citizens. Many thousands of people pin hope with us. We have assumed high responsibility and honorable mission and the citizens should not regret for their choice," the president said.

The parliamentary tribune has become accessible to many leading political forces, he said. The president congratulated the oppositional Armenian National Congress representatives on election to the parliament, though they were not present at the session. The president said that the coming 5 years must even more strengthen the parliament-public relations.

"Means should never turn into a goal. Even the best goal leads to negative results when wrong means are used to achieve it. We can and must work in an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance. There will be heated discussions and debates in the new parliament, but the final goal is to improve the living conditions of our citizens, make our country stronger and stop population drain," the president said for conclusion.  Leader of the Armenian Apostolic Church, His Holiness Karekin II blessed the parliamentarians and urged them to remain committed to their mission and fulfill it with dignity.