Thursday, February 8 2018 16:17

ArmInfo. Armenia is changing the order of concluding international treaties. The draft amendments to the laws "On international treaties", "On the protection of personal data", "On the police service", "On national security bodies", "On ensuring the security of persons subject to special state protection" and a number of accompanying laws was presented on February 8 at a meeting the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Shavarsh Kocharyan.

According to Kocharyan, the adoption of the new law "On International Treaties" is due to constitutional changes and the need to review the existing procedures for concluding international treaties by the Republic of Armenia. The initiative is based on the redistribution of state functions and the revision of existing procedures in the field of foreign policy and international relations as a result of the final approval of the parliamentary form of government and the enhancement of the role of the government since the inauguration of the newly elected president in 2018. The principal changes in the proposed package of legislative changes, as indicated by the Deputy Foreign Minister, are as follows. Modification of procedures during the design phase and entry into force of contracts - only the agreed text of the draft document is submitted to the government for discussion, which, after approval, is no longer subject to adjustment. Today, the draft international agreement approved by the government can be substantially changed. There is also an increase in the role and responsibility of the authorized agencies. The National Assembly of Armenia ratifies, terminates or suspends the operation of an international treaty by force of law. Earlier this procedure was carried out by the decision of the parliament. Approval, termination or suspension of the operation of an international treaty is carried out by the President of the Republic only on the basis of the proposal of the government of the republic. Conclusion, approval or ratification of international treaties on Armenia's membership in supranational organizations, as well as territorial changes, will be carried out through a referendum. The subject of the international treaty will be the Republic of Armenia, represented by the government and other bodies established by law, and having international legal personality. In addition, a special procedure for the conclusion and entry into force of international credit and grant agreements is envisaged. As part of the legislative initiative, it is also planned to carry out a centralized translation of the text of draft international treaties.