Armenian Parliament Votes to Establish Commission to Study Gas Contracts with Russia

Armenia's National Assembly today decided to create an ad-hoc commission to investigate the gas contracts signed with Russia last year. Of the ruling coalition [Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) and Rule of Law (OEK)], 75 members voted in favor, 3 against, and 30 abstained. 

Recall, at the last four-day parliamentary session, the HHK blocked the idea of creating this commission, and then came up with its own initiative, which differed from the initial proposal by the four non-ruling parties. 

Though opposition parties weren't pleased with the amended proposal, the Armenian National Congress (HAK), for one, voted in favor of creating the commission and participate in its work. Head of the HAK parliamentary faction Levon Zurabyan said they have one reservation — the commission's work being held behind closed doors. HAK, nevertheless, considered it a victory that there will be a commission to study the gas contracts.

Before the vote, Prosperous Armenia Party secretary Naira Zohrabyan said that her party will abstain. 

Only the 3 Heritage Party MPs voted against the establishment of the commission. 

The Armenian Revolutionary Federation yesterday said it will participate in the work of the commission and nothing will prevent its members from leaving the closed-doors meeting and telling the media what was discussed.