ArmInfo. The first meeting of the National Assembly of the seventh convocation has started in Armenia. The meeting is held by the eldest MP Knyaz Hasanov, representing the "My Step" faction. Congratulating the NA lawmakers on their election, he declared the sitting of the Armenian parliament open. Then the MPs took the oath.
The Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II addressed the parliamentarians with a welcoming speech. According to him, henceforth, responsibility for building a new Armenia falls on the shoulders of the lawmakers, since the progress and development of the country is also conditioned by the effective activities of the National Assembly of the country. "Our people have high expectations from the upcoming reforms, decisions aimed at improving the well-being of citizens," said the Catholicos, pointing to external challenges, to solve which it is necessary to minimize problems in internal life. According to Karekin II, the interaction of political forces and public structures is the main condition for uniting the potential of the people, strengthening statehood. On this path, it is important to create a field for the consistent development of the country, ensuring the progress of the state, science, education, culture, security and peace. "Your decisions should contribute to the formation of the atmosphere of justice in the country, and the Armenian Apostolic Church will provide the necessary assistance in this," the Catholicos stressed. In turn, RA President Armen Sarkissian, congratulating the newly elected MPs, expressed gratitude to the parliamentarians of all convocations of the National Assembly for the work done. According to him, 2018 was the year of trials and achievements of the Armenian people, which led to the extraordinary parliamentary elections on December 9, which were characterized by a high level of legitimacy. "The first, political stage is over, the second stage of hopes, consistent and daily work begins. You have the opportunity to justify people's hopes from the velvet revolution and building a new Armenia. The future of a citizen will depend on the effectiveness of your work," Armen Sarkissian said. He added that a huge amount of work is to be carried out at various levels for the construction of a new Armenia.
As the President noted, today the world has become unpredictable and full of various challenges, which leads to great risks. At the same time, the president continued, new opportunities are being created. To do this, it is necessary to change the approaches and outlook, to have clear visions and programs, to create opportunities for unlocking the potential of the people. "Times change, but our goals do not change - creating a strong, powerful state," the RA President stressed, pointing out the importance of enhancing parliamentary diplomacy, ensuring state security, modernizing the army, and deepening cooperation with the EAEU countries and the EU, neighboring states, and , with friends. This requires professional approach, knowledge and skills. Armen Sarkissian stressed that Armenia should become a center for the development of science and technology, innovation, have its Nobel laureates, new Tumanyan, Hambartsumyan, Kerkorian. "Be in opposition, but do not become opponents," the RA President called on the MPs. It should be noted that the "My Step" bloc (88 lawmakers), the Prosperous Armenia Party (26 lawmakers) and Bright Armenia (18 MPs) are represented in the 7th convocation National Assembly. Parliament consists of 132 MPs.