What will the newly created parliamentary ethics commission work on? Its chair explains.

ArmInfo. At a press conference on October 5, Maria Karapetyan, Chair of the newly created Parliamentary Ethics Committee, presented the committee's operating procedures and the application of possible disciplinary measures against National Assembly members.

According to Maria Karapetyan, a meeting of the Ethics Committee may begin with three members present, but a decision is required.

Five votes are required. In the event of a tie, the committee chair's vote is decisive. The MP noted that factions have the option, if necessary, to replace their member of parliament so that the latter can participate in committee meetings, discussions, and voting.

According to Karapetyan, the committee's main goal is not to punish members of parliament, but to improve the level of parliamentary ethics in Armenia. She also noted that after discussing the matter, the commission issues a conclusion based on the submitted statements regarding a violation of ethical standards and submits a proposal to the Speaker of the National Assembly regarding disciplinary measures.

The deputy also noted that disciplinary measures include a warning, disqualification from speaking at National Assembly sessions for one session, expulsion from sessions, and disqualification from attending the session hall for up to seven days.