Armenian politicians divided over Oscanian's case. Parliament lifts immunity of former Foreign Minister amid calls for Prosecutor General's resignation.

The Armenian National Assembly yesterday voted in favor of a request from the Prosecutor General, Aghvan Hovsepyan, to lift the parliamentary immunity of former foreign minister and member of parliament from Prosperous Armenia Vartan Oskanian, in order that he may be involved as a witness in a criminal lawsuit on money laundering. The decision was taken with 64 votes for and six against. One ballot was considered invalid.

This follows a criminal case launched on May 25 following an investigation by the National Security Service into money laundering by the Civiltas Foundation which was founded by Oscanian when he left the Foreign Ministry in 2008.

The issue has split the Armenian political elite. The members of the Prosperous Armenia faction walked out of Parliament after they had spoken against the resolution to lift Oscanian's parliamentary immunity. They also called for the resignation of the Prosecutor General. Other opposition parties either voted against or boycotted the session.

The case has also attracted a lot of interest amongst foreign diplomats in Yerevan. The heads of several diplomatic missions met with Oscanian a few days ago to discuss the case.

Oscanian is seen as a potential rival for current president Serzh Sargsyan in the forthcoming presidential elections in early 2013.

source: commonspace.eu

photo: Vartan Oscanian (archive picture)

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Close race in Presidential election that may determine Poland’s future direction

Close race in Presidential election that may determine Poland’s future direction

Poland’s presidential election has come down to an ideological choice between a liberal pro-European versus a nationalist conservative. They are polling so close that the outcome is impossible to predict in the run-off round on Sunday 1st June. The contest has international implications with US President Donald Trump throwing his weight behind the nationalist candidate, Karol Nawrocki, dangling the prospect of closer military ties if Poles choose him over liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Close race in Presidential election that may determine Poland’s future direction

Close race in Presidential election that may determine Poland’s future direction

Poland’s presidential election has come down to an ideological choice between a liberal pro-European versus a nationalist conservative. They are polling so close that the outcome is impossible to predict in the run-off round on Sunday 1st June. The contest has international implications with US President Donald Trump throwing his weight behind the nationalist candidate, Karol Nawrocki, dangling the prospect of closer military ties if Poles choose him over liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski.