Thursday, 14 November 2013
Recognition, Appreciation Of State Symbols Deemed As Primary Concern
The Government held a regular meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan. Opening the meeting, the Prime Minister referred to the questions of submitting a new application to the Millennium Challenge Corpration and the introduction of the funded pension system starting January 1, 2014 (see separately).
After the agenda had been approved, the Executive proceeded to the discussion.
The Government approved amendments to the bills on the law on the Flag of the Republic of Armenia and on Coat of Arms of the Republic of Armenia that had been developed jointly by a Prime Minister-established working group on recognition, appreciation and popularization of State symbols. “Menk” Foundation for Preservation of National Values and in collaboration with other non-governmental organizations.
Tigran Sargsyan noted in this connection, “We have to thank the NGOs, who were proactive, consistent, and were interested in this issue. We also have to ask them to take under control and monitor the enforcement of this law considering the coat of arms and the flag are State symbols, which contribute to the patriotic education of our youth. We are very grateful to the civil society.”
The Government next approved the initiative to extend the enactment of the law on citizens in breach of the procedure of compulsory military service untill December 1, 2013, allowing those offenders over 27 years of age to pay the stipulated fee within the prescribed deadlines, return to the homeland and be safe from prosecution. With the next decision, the meeting considered the bill to be of top priority.
The above draft laws will be sent to the National Assembly in the manner established by law.
The Cabinet approved the fundamental document to be part of Armenia’s official thematic reports subject for submission to UN monitoring bodies and instructed the Minister of Justice to ensure its translation.
The Revised National Report of the Republic of Armenia concerning the European Social Charter was next approved by the session (reference period 2009-2012).
In conclusion, the Executive approved a proposal for signing a protocol on amendments to three agreements on cooperation between the CIS-member States. The agreements relate to the determination of the country of origin of goods, the Trade Fair and the development of congress activities, as well as a number of previously signed instruments on coordination of intergovernmental relations.
