News

December 29, 2011

MEETING ON THE OCCASION OF THE NEW YEAR

   On December 29, the meeting on the occasion of the New Year was organized at the Constitutional Court. Those citizens or their representatives, on the basis of whose applications the provisions of various RA laws were declared unconstitutional and invalid in 2011, were invited to this meeting as special guests.
   Summarizing the work done during the past year, the RA CC President Mr. Harutyunyan noted that in a month the annual report of the Constitutional Court on the situation of the execution of the CC decisions will be issued where the main problems of further improvement of constitutional justice in the country will be also represented in details. At the same time, it was emphasized that changes to the RA Law "On Constitutional Court", the Civil Procedure Code and Criminal Procedure Code, made on November 15, 2011 by the RA National Assembly on the basis of the legal positions of the RA Constitutional Court, was a significant milestone in the protection of subjective rights of people and guaranteeing their right to constitutional justice.
   The CC President expressed his special thanks to the guests, who played an active role in the establishment of the constitutional legality and the constitutionalization of the legislation in the country.
   In addition, it should be noted that in 2011 the RA Constitutional Court issued a final decisions on 76 cases, in 8 cases of which the provisions of the laws were declared unconstitutional and invalid, and in 5 cases - they have been found constitutional under the provision’s constitutional-legal content, revealed on the basis of the legal positions of Constitutional Court.

CC RA Press service

Photos 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

December 22, 2011

The Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia

ON THE CASE CONCERNING THE DETERMINATION OF THE ISSUE REGARDING THE CONFORMITY OF THE LAST SENTENCE OF THE FIRST PARAGRAPH OF ARTICLE 28 OF THE LAW OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA ON “TAXES” WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA ON THE BASIS OF THE APPLICATION OF THE PRODUCTIVE COOPERATIVE “OLYMPUS”

December 21, 2011

The Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia

ON THE CASE CONCERNING THE DETERMINATION OF THE ISSUE REGARDING THE CONFORMITY OF THE OBLIGATIONS STIPULATED BY THE CONVENTION ON THE TAKING EVIDENCE ABROAD IN CIVIL OR COMMERCIAL MATTERS (WITH ATTACHED RESERVATION AND DECLARATIONS) SIGNED ON MARCH 18, 1970 IN THE HAGUES WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

The Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia

ON THE CASE CONCERNING THE DETERMINATION OF THE ISSUE REGARDING THE CONFORMITY OF THE OBLIGATIONS STIPULATED BY THE CONVENTION OF THE SERVICE ABROAD OF JUDICIAL AND EXTRAJUDICIAL DOCUMENTS IN CIVIL OR COMMERCIAL MATTERS SIGNED ON NOVEMBER 15, 1965 IN THE HAGUES WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

December 20, 2011

INTERNATIONAL PRESENTATION

   In November 2011 in Kyiv by the initiative of the Ukrainian Constitutional Court the new book of the President of the RA Constitutional Court, Chairman of the International organization “Conference of Constitutional Control Organs of Countries of New Democracy”, Doctor, Professor Mr. G. Harutyunyan was published. The publication of the collection titled “Constitutionalism: lessons, challenges, guarantees”, which involves publications and presentations at the international forums, was a unique and important event.
   On December 16, 2011 in Kyiv at the National Academy of Legal Sciences the presentation of the collection was organized. Academicians V.P Tikhiy, Yu.S. Shemshuchenko, Yu.V. Baulin, N.F. Selivon, M.V. Kostitski, Doctors, Professors N.A. Myalovitsskaya, P.I. Kirilyuk, A.R. Darbinyan, B.M. Polyakov, constitutionalists P. Stetsyuk, V. Poghosyan in their analytical statements not only appreciated the author's conceptual and doctrinal approaches to revealing the nature of the constitutionality and its establishment in the social practice, but also highlighted the huge role and international significance of the collection in the future development jurisprudence and constitutional practice.
   Professor Harutyunyan had a voluminous report on the subject “Constitutionalism: lessons, challenges, guarantees”.
   On the same day the delegation of the RA Constitutional Court in the framework of the working visit to Kiev had meetings at the President of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, took part in the thematic round table, where the President of the RA Constitutional Court had a presentation on "Modern challenges to Constitutional Justice".

CC RA Press service

December 20, 2011

The Bulletin of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia (in Armenian)
NN 4(61) 2011, 5(62) 2011

December 12, 2011

MEETING AT THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION ACADEMY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

   On December 12 the President of the RA Constitutional Court Mr. Gagik Harutyunyan had a lecture on subject “Modern fundamental problems of constitutional developments in the changing social systems” for Master degree students and professors of the Public Administration Academy of the Republic of Armenia.
   Mr. Harutyunyan paid attention to those questions which now are of pivotal importance for guaranteeing dynamic stable development of the countries of classic democracy, as well as for newly independent countries; for constitutionalization of social relations, and ensuring the supremacy of law.
   The meeting which lasted for more than two hours, ended with the active discussion of raised questions.

CC RA Press service

Photos 1 | 2 | 3

December 12, 2011

   On 7 December 2011 Mr. Arman Tatoyan, the Adviser to the RA Constitutional Court, Associate Professor at Yerevan State University was elected by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe as a member of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT). His term of office is four years.
   The CPT was set up under the Council of Europe’s “European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment”, which came into force in 1989. It builds on Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights which provides that “No one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”.
   The CPT provides a non-judicial preventive mechanism to protect persons deprived of their liberty against torture and other forms of ill-treatment. It thus complements the judicial work of the European Court of Human Rights.

December 8, 2011

FAREWELL VISIT

   On December 8th the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland in Armenia H.E. Mr. Charles Lonsdale had a farewell visit to the RA Constitutional Court and met with the President of the Constitutional Court Mr. G. Harutyunyan.
   Welcoming the guest Mr. G. Harutyunyan expressed his thankfulness to the Ambassador for the effective cooperation between the Embassy and the Constitutional Court during his taking office. The conversation was about guaranteeing the supremacy of law, the important role of constitutional courts, cooperation with the European Court of Human Rights, interstate relations of the RA Constitutional Court.
    The RA Constitutional Court President wished the Ambassador every success at his new workplace.

CC RA Press service

December 7, 2011

The Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia

ON THE CASE CONCERNING THE DETERMINATION OF THE ISSUE REGARDING THE CONFORMITY OF ARTICLE 208 PART 3 OF THE CODE OF THE CIVIL PROCEDURE CODE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA AND ARTICLE 873  PART  2 OF THE CIVIL CODE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA ON THE BASIS OF THE APPLICATION OF OJSC “YEREVANSHIN”

December 5, 2011

The Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia

ON THE CASE CONCERNING THE DETERMINATION OF THE ISSUE REGARDING THE CONFORMITY OF THE OBLIGATIONS STIPULATED BY THE AMENDMENTS TO THE CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH REGARD TO AUTOMATIC PROCESSING OF DATA APPROVED BY THE COMMITTEE OF MINISTERS IN STRASBOURG, ON JUNE 15, 1999 WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

The Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia

ON THE CASE CONCERNING THE DETERMINATION OF THE ISSUE REGARDING THE CONFORMITY OF THE OBLIGATIONS STIPULATED BY THE ADDITIONAL PROTOCOL TO THE CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH REGARD TO AUTOMATIC PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA, REGARDING SUPERVISORY AUTHORITIES AND TRANSBORDER DATA FLOWS SIGNED ON NOVEMBER 8, 1981 IN STRASBOURG WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

The Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia

ON THE CASE CONCERNING THE DETERMINATION OF THE ISSUE REGARDING THE CONFORMITY OF THE OBLIGATIONS STIPULATED BY THE CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH REGARD TO AUTOMATIC PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA (WITH ATTACHED OBJECTION) SIGNED ON JANUARY 28, 1981 IN STRASBOURG WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

December 1, 2011

Press release

Upon the adoption of the CC decision of November 15, 2011 on the basis of the application of the RA Human Rights Defender a range of officials and non-officials try to express opinions in public about the legal consequences of the decision, and unfortunately, in the result of ignorance or insufficient study of the decision, spread disinformation.
Firstly, the RA Constitutional Court did not just recognize Article 1087.1 of the RA Civil Code in conformity with the Constitution, but recognized it in conformity only in the framework of constitutional-legal content resulting from the legal positions expressed in that very decision and international obligations gained by the Republic of Armenia. These positions and obligations are clearly written in the text and are binding for the law implementation. Only in the case of implementation in the mentioned frameworks in the law enforcement practice the provisions of the issued article could be recognized as constitutional. If not lawyers could hardly realize this difference, then specialists, including journalists of legal sphere, should properly understand and comment the language of law.
Secondly, the following thesis, according to which the mentioned decision will not have any impact on the cases which are already under consideration at the courts, is disinformation. The Constitutional Court decision has already entered into force and is acting since November 15, 2011, and any law implementer could not avoid it since then. If this provision of the Law is implemented in other interpretation than Constitutional Court’s positions, then unconstitutional situation will occur, and in the end, this judicial act will be subject to review by the force of the last amendments to the RA Law “On the Constitutional Court” and by the legal regulations entered into force on November 22.
It is desirable before expressing an opinion also to acquaint with these last legislative amendments and with the content of the institute of reopening of a case upon discovery of new facts.

CC RA Press service

December 1, 2011

THE 1000TH DECISION OF THE RA CONSTITUTIOANL COURT

On November 29 the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia adopted its jubilee 1000th decision. It is symbolic that the 1000th decision regarding the conformity of Article 78, part 2 and part 3, paragraph 3 of the RA Law "On legal acts" with the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia was considered on the application of the RA Administrative Court of Appeal.

After the Court session on the occasion of the jubilee event the Constitutional Court organized the reception for the staff and guests among whom Chairman of the RA Court of Cassation Mr. A. Mkrtumyan, the RA Human Rights Defender Mr. K. Andreasyan, the First Deputy Minister of Justice Mr. G. Muradyan, President of Armenia's Chamber of Advocates Mr. R. Sahakyan, Chairman of the Union of Lawyers of the Republic of Armenia Mr. G. Ghazinyan, Constitutional Court members, advocates, lawyers were present.

The President of the RA Constitutional Court Mr. G. Harutyunyan welcomed the guests and had a short speech.

The fact that the 1000th decision was adopted on the application of the Administrative Court of Appeal has become very interesting and new symbol in the functional correlations within the judicial system; the great importance was given to the value and significance of the decision. Mr. Harutyunyan divided the jurisprudence of the Constitutional Court into two periods: before 2006 and after 2006. Before 2006 the CC decisions, considered on the constitutionality of the law, is 1.3 %, from 2006 till present - about 49%. At the same time, on 51 cases more than 90 provisions of 55 laws were recognized contradicting to the RA Constitution and invalid. 35 cases were considered regarding the Criminal Procedure Code, and 33 cases were considered regarding the Civil Procedure Code. In the National Assembly on the basis of the positions of the RA Constitutional Court about 50 legislative amendments were made. It means that the Constitutional Court has a serious and solid role in the constitutionalization of legislative scope and development of constitutional legal relations.

At the end the President congratulated the colleagues and guests, thanked them for the effective cooperation.

CC RA Press service

Photos 1 | 2

November 30, 2011

The Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia

ON THE CASE CONCERNING THE DETERMINATION OF THE ISSUE REGARDING THE CONFORMITY OF ARTICLE 78 PART 2 AND PART 3 PARAGRAPH 3 OF THE RA LAW ON “LEGAL ACTS” WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA ON THE BASIS OF THE APPLICATION OF THE RA ADMINISTRATIVE COURT OF APPEAL

November 28, 2011

VISIT OF THE USA AMBASSADOR AT THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

On November 25 Mr. G. Harutyunyan, the President of the RA Constitutional Court, had a meeting with the H.E. Mr. John A. Heffern, newly-appointed Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the USA in Armenia.

Welcoming the guest Mr. G. Harutyunyan congratulated him on the occasion of the appointment and acquainted with the activity of the RA Constitutional Court.

The Ambassador in his turn thanked for the meeting and gave special importance to the role of the Constitutional Court decision, recently adopted on the basis of the application of the RA Human Rights Defender, in the protection of the right to freedom of expression. During the conversation the modern problems on the supremacy of law, constitutionalization of social relations were discussed. The both parties gave importance to the role of the RA CC decisions, adopted on the basis of the individual complaints, in the constitutional and legal developments of the country.

Mr. Steven Kesler, Resident Legal Advisor of the Department of Justice of the US Embassy, and Mr. Davit Khachaturyan, Legal Specialist of the Department of Justice of the US Embassy, participated to the meeting as well.

CC RA Press service

Photos 1 | 2

November 25, 2011

The Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia

ON THE CASE CONCERNING THE DETERMINATION OF THE ISSUE REGARDING THE CONFORMITY OF THE OBLIGATIONS STIPULATED IN THE LOAN AGREEMENT ON “ADDITIONAL FINANCING FOR THE IRREGATION REHABILITATION EMERGENCIES PROJECT” SIGNED BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA AND INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT” WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

November 23, 2011

The Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia

ON TERMINATION OF PROCEEDING OF THE CASE CONCERNING THE DETERMINATION OF THE ISSUE REGARDING THE CONFORMITY OF ARTICLE 82, PART 1, POINT I OF THE LAW OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA "ON BANKRUPCY" WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA ON THE BASIS OF THE APPLICATION OF THE CITIZEN HENRIK POGHOSSYAN

November 21, 2011

SCHOOLCHILDREN AT THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

On November 18th the President of the RA Constitutional Court Mr. Gagik Harutyunyan had a meeting with the group of the schoolchildren from different schools who participated in the “Intellectual Game” Contest organized by the OSCE Yerevan Office.

The schoolchildren, participated in the contest, who also study the topic “Human Rights” within the frames of the “Social Science” subject, expressed the wish to have a meeting with the President of the Constitutional Court and to discuss with him some issues of concern.

Mr. Harutyunyan introduced to the schoolchildren the history of creation of constitutional courts around the world, the structure and activities of the RA Constitutional Court, and also presented in details the role and importance of the constitutional courts in guaranteeing the supremacy of the constitution.

The meeting, ended by the discussion, was a unique lesson, dedicated to the rule of law, the protection of human rights, and establishment of the constitutionality in the state.

CC RA Press service

Photo 1

November 18, 2011

Constitutional Court strengthens media freedom in Armenia (EuFoA)

Constitutional Court strengthens media freedom in Armenia
17/11/2011 - Aysor.am / Armenia

European Friends of Armenia strongly welcomes this week’s ruling of Armenia’s Constitutional Court, which strengthens media freedom. The ruling provides interpretation guidelines for the new defamation law, following a request by the Armenian Ombudsman, Karen Andreasyan.
During the recently organised EuFoA round-table on the state of Democracy and Human Rights in Armenia, Mr Andreasyan elaborated his decision to address the Court, saying that “even though the law itself is good and largely based upon recommendations from the Council of Europe, high fines are regularly issued by courts where the European case law would demonstrate greater tolerance when dealing with such issues”. He expressed hope that “guidelines for the handling of future cases can be created and thus the existing problems can be contained”. The Court’s ruling is a success for the Ombudsman and media freedom in Armenia.
“Political journalism in Armenia has become more and more outspoken and sometimes very polarised in Armenia, where observers talk about ‘pro-governmental’ and ‘pro-oppositional’ press. We welcome that today the resulting disagreements about libel, like in any European country, are addressed in civil courts”, comments EuFoA Secretary General, Dr Michael Kambeck. “Thanks to the timely initiative by the Ombudsman and the prioritisation of the issue by the Constitutional Court, Armenia is now heading towards the upcoming parliamentary elections with improved safeguards for media. This is a vital step for a more democratic media landscape and discussion culture.”
Armenian legislators decriminalised libel in 2010 but in too many cases, the fines allocated by Armenian courts threatened the survival of the media concerned. The Constitutional Court now ensured a better application of this new law and wisely did not simply refer the law back to the National Assembly for a lengthy redrafting procedure. The new ruling orders courts to take into account the financial capabilities of the convicted and largely excludes that journalistic opinions and interpretations can be taken as libel. This considerably widens media freedom. Inspired by European best practices in the field of libel legislation and freedom of speech, the ruling is an important step for Armenia to implement European values and standards in the country's political arena.

November 17, 2011

The Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia

ON THE CASE CONCERNING THE DETERMINATION OF THE ISSUE REGARDING THE CONFORMITY OF ARTICLE 1087.1 OF THE RA CIVIL CODE WITH ARTICLE 14, ARTICLE 27 PARTS 1, 2 AND 3 AND ARTICLE 43 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA ON THE BASIS OF THE APPLICATION OF THE RA HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER

October 25, 2011

OFFICIAL VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE RA CONSITUTIONAL COURT TO RUSSIA

The President of the RA Constitutional Court Mr. G. Harutyunyan, by the official invitation of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, from 26-30 of October will visit Moscow and St. Petersburg and will participate in the official ceremonies dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation.

Within the frames of the ceremonies a solemn session with the participation of the President of the Russian Federation, high ranked officials and large audience will be organized at the Grand Kremlin Palace, where the President of the RA CC will make a welcoming speech.

In the evening of the same day the participants of the session with the special flight will leave for St. Petersburg, where at the Palace of Congresses the two-day International Conference on the topic of “Constitutional Review; Doctrine and Practice” will take place. Mr. G. Harutyunyan, the President of the RA CC, the President of the Conference of the Constitutional Control Organs of the Countries of New Democracy, will make a report on the following topic: “The Actual Problems of Systemacy and Continuity of the Constitutional Review”. (The text of the report is already published on the web page of the Constitutional Court).

CC RA Press service

October 17, 2011

ACTUAL PROBLEMS OF SYSTEMACY AND CONTINUITY OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONTROL
HARUTYUNYAN G. G. – The Chairman of the Conference of the Constitutional Control Organs of the Countries of New Democracy, the President of the RA CC, Doctor of Law Sciences, Professor
Text of the speech of Harutyunyan G. G., the President of the RA CC, at the International Conference dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation (St. Petersburg, October 28, 2011)
[in Russian, 1.9 mb, ppt]

Photos 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

October 13, 2011

OSCE EXPERT AT THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

On October 13 Mr. G. Harutyunyan, the President of the RA Constitutional Court, had a meeting with the OSCE Expert Mr. John Pearson who was in Armenia in the framework of the prosecutorial reforms which are being implemented in the state.

Mr. Harutyunyan and Mr. Pearson, who is going to prepare the report on the present situation of the Armenian prosecutor system, had an advisory, exchange of experience conversation about the issues regarding to the development of the judiciary system in Armenia, rule of law, strengthening of the constitutional justice, necessity of input of the constitutional complaint, creation of the conditions for guaranteeing human rights as a supreme value, and, generally, on the process of the further judicial reforms in the state.

CC RA Press service

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October 13, 2011

PHOTO CHRONICLES FROM THE XVI YEREVAN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

More than 50 delegates from 23 states and several international organizations participated in the XVI Yerevan International Conference dedicated to the 15th Anniversary of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia, the topic of the Conference was “Legal Consequences of the Constitutional Court Decisions in the Strengthening Constitutionality in the Country”.

During the Conference the participants presented 18 reports and presentations, around which multilateral discussions were made. The RA Constitutional Court also organized several cultural events for the foreign guests.

Some photos from the Conference are presented below.

CC RA Press service

Photos 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22

October 13, 2011

LEGAL POSITIONS OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT AS A SOURCE OF CASE-LAW
G. Harutyunyan, President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia, Member of the Venice Commission
(The report at the 16th Yerevan International Conference, Yerevan, October 6, 2011)
[in Armenian, in Russian, pdf, 0.16 mb]

October 5, 2011

YEREVAN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

On 6 of October the XVI Yerevan International Conference, dedicated to the 15th Anniversary of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia will start. The topic of the Conference will be “Legal Consequences of the Constitutional Court Decisions in the Strengthening Constitutionality in the Country”. More than 50 delegates from 23 states and several international organizations will participate in this Conference.

The delegations of Albania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine will be represented by the Presidents of Constitutional Courts of these states. The President of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe Mr. Gianni Buquicchio will also participate in the Conference.

The discussed topic is not only urgent one for the countries of new democracy, but as well as for the countries of the classical democracy, as a result of which representatives of the Kingdom of Belgium, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of Netherlands, the Kingdom of Norway will also participate in this Conference. The presentations and materials of the Conference will be published by the organizers in the four-language “Almanac – 2011”, which is delivered to 107 countries and about 20 international organizations.

CC RA Press service

October 5, 2011

THE PRESIDENT OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT OF ALBANIA VISITED THE RA CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

On October 5 the President of the RA Constitutional Court Mr. G. Harutyunyan had meeting with the President of the Constitutional Court of Albania Mr. Bashkim Dedja, who by the invitation of the RA Constitutional Court now is in Yerevan and will participate in the activities of the 16th International Conference, which is going to start on October 6.

Mr. Harutyunyan introduced to the guest, who is visiting Armenia for the first time, the activities of the RA Constitutional Court.

Both parties emphasized the actuality of the topic “Legal Consequences of the Constitutional Court Decisions in the Strengthening Constitutionality in the Country” to which the 16th International Conference will be dedicated.

CC RA Press service

Photo 1

October 3, 2011

Speeches of the President of the RA Constitutional Court G. Harutyunyan at the International Conferences dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the Constitutional Courts of Ukraine and Latvia

(Kyiv, September 16, 2011, in Russian, pdf)
(Riga, September 29, 2011, in Russian, pdf)

Photos 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

September 23, 2011

Text of the speech of G. Harutyunyan dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Independence of the RA
Kapan, September 21, 2011
[in Armenian, pdf, 0.1 mb]

September 23, 2011

FAREWELL VISIT

On September 23 the President of the Constitutional Court Mr. G. Harutyunyan had an official meeting with the Head of the Yerevan Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Ambassador Sergey Kapinos.

The issues regarding the process of the judicial legal reforms and further projects, as well some issues regarding to the International Conference, which will be held in Yerevan October 5 - 9, 2011, were discussed during the meeting.

Mr. Harutyunyan expressed his gladness over the Ambassador's efforts, made for the establishment of tight cooperation between the OSCE and the CC at the period from 2007 to 2011 and wished him every success at his new workplace.  

CC RA Press service

September 20, 2011

CONTEMPORARY IMPERATIVES OF THE SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT OF ARMENIA - DIASPORA PARTNERSHIP
G. Harutyunyan - Presentation at the Pan-Armenian Forum for Presentation at the Pan-Armenian Forum for Heads and Representatives of Diaspora Armenian Organizations (September 19, 2011, Yerevan)
[in Armenian, pdf, 0.14 mb]

September 16, 2011

The Bulletin of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia (in Armenian)
N 3(60) 2011

September 13, 2011

THE OFFICIAL VISIT OF PRESIDENT OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA TO UKRAINE

On September 14, 2011 by the official invitation of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine the RA Constitutional Court delegation, composed of President G. Harutyunyan and Judge H. Nazaryan, will visit Kyiv with two-day working visit and will participate to the International Conference dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine.

The RA CC President G. Harutyunyan, on the behalf of the European Commission for Democracy through Law of the Council of Europe (the Venice Commission), will make a presentation on the subject “Individual Constitutional Complaint; the European Tendencies of the Systematic Developments”.

CC RA Press service

September 9, 2011

STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIP IN THE LEGAL SPHERE

From 4-7 of September, 2011 the delegation of the RA Constitutional Court by the official invitation of the Legal Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People's Representatives Congress (NPRC) of the People's Republic of China visited China. As it is known, the NPRC, which is the highest state representative body in China, implements constitutional review in the state and for this institution it is very important to get acquainted with the present European tendencies in the sphere of the constitutional justice.

The Chinese party, which pays much attention to the further development of the Armenian-Chinese relations, which were initiated in 1992, when the RA Vice-President/Prime Minister G. Harutyunyan visited China with the official visit, today finds also important to develop cooperation in the legal sphere.

As a result of the meetings and detailed discussions between the delegation of the RA Constitutional Court and the Heads of the Supreme Court of the PRC, the Standing Committee of the National People's Representatives Congress of the People's Republic of China, its Legal Commission, Shanghai and Jinan cities and National People's Congress of Shandong Province and the other officials, the parties agreed essentially to stimulate the cooperation of two states in the law sphere, particularly in the spheres of the constitutional review, development of the constitutional justice and strengthening of the constitutionality. The parties also agreed to organize joint workshop on this issues in Yerevan.

CC RA Press service

Photos 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

August 11, 2011

A meeting dedicated to the 20th anniversary the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Bulgaria and International Conference dedicated to the problems of the constitutional justice   on "Classical and Modern Trends in the Constitutional Review" was held in Sofia, on July 28 – 31, 2011. 
The President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia held a speech on the behalf of the Conference of the Constitutional Control Organs of the Countries of New Democracy.  He also presented a scientific report dedicated to the problems of the systemic constitutional monitoring.

Photo 1

July 7, 2011

RECEPTION AT THE RA CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

Every year the RA Constitutional Court traditionally organizes events on the occasion of the RA Constitution day. Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, Constitutional Court members, Minister of Justice Hrayr Tovmasyan, Minister of Emergency Situations Armen Yeritsyan, Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly Samvel Nikoyan, Deputy Prosecutor General of the RA Mnatcakan Sargsyan, Deputy General Prosecutor of the RA, Military Prosecutor Gevorg Kostanyan, Rector of the Yerevan State University Aram Simonyan, constitutionalist Vardan Poghosyan, high representatives of judicial and legal system, guests from different institutions, media representatives participated to the reception organized by the RA Constitutional Court on July 6.

Thanking the gusts for the participation, President of the RA Constitutional Court Gagik Harutyunyan delivered a short presentation on “Modern challenges of ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution”.

The event was followed by the festive reception.

CC RA Press service

Photos 1 | 2

July 1, 2011

DEDICATED TO THE CONSTITUTION DAY

On July 6 at 17.00 the RA Constitutional Court organizes the reception dedicated to the Republic of Armenia Constitution Day.
In the program:
the short presentation of the President of the RA Constitutional Court Mr. Gagik Harutyunyan on “Modern challenges of ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution”
Reception.

CC RA Press service

June 23, 2011

VISIT OF THE DELEGATION OF THE RA CONSTITUTIONAL COURT TO GEORGIA

On June 23, 2011 by the invitation of the President of the Constitutional Court of Georgia the delegation of the RA Constitutional Court (President G. Harutyunyan, Member K. Balayan) has left for Batumi to take part at the International Conference on the Past and the Future of the Constitutional Review of New Democracies dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the formation of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Georgia.

President G. Harutyunyan is going to make a presentation on “Contemporary challenges to the system development of the constitutional review” at the Conference (the text of the presentation is on the web site of the RA Constitutional Court).

In the framework of the jubilee events our delegation will have a range of official meetings.

CC RA Press service

Photo 1

June 16, 2011

VISIT OF THE AMBASSADOR OF CHINA AT THE RA CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

On June 16, 2011 Mr. G. Harutyunyan, President of the RA Constitutional Court received Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of People's Republic of China in Armenia H.E. Mr. Tian Changchun.

Mr. Ambassador passed to the RA Constitutional Court President the invitation of the Law Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China addressed to the delegation of the RA Constitutional Court to pay an official visit to China in September 2011.

The invitation was thankfully accepted. It was agreed to pass through the Embassy the invitation to Chinese colleagues to participate to the Yerevan International Conference to be held in October, 2011 in Armenia.

The other issues concerning the bilateral relations were also discussed.

CC RA Press service

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June 7, 2011

MODERN CHALLENGES TO SYSTEMIC DEVELOPMENT OF CONSTITUTIONAL CONTROL
(President of the RA CC, Doctor of Law Sciences, professor G.G. Harutyunyan's text of the speech at the International Conference dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the Constitutional Court of Georgia, Batumi, 25.06.2011, in Russian, ppt)

June 6, 2011

COMPONENTS OF CONSTITUTIONALISM: RULE OF LAW, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
G. Harutyunyan
(in Armenian, in Russian, Summary in English)

June 6, 2011

"Constitutional Justice"
Bulletin of the Conference of Constitutional Control Organs of the States of New Democracy.
N 2(52) 2011
(in Russian, in English)

June 6, 2011

The Bulletin of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia (in Armenian)
N 2(59) 2011

May 27, 2011

THE EXPERT ROUNDTABLE

On May 27, 2011 the roundtable on "The execution process of judgments by the European Court on Human Rights on Armenia" took place at the session hall of the RA Constitutional Court.

The roundtable was organized by the Armenian Chamber of Advocates and the OSCE Office in Yerevan in cooperation with the Council of Europe and the RA Constitutional Court.

Mr. Gagik Harutyunyan, President of the RA Constitutional Court had the welcomeе speech. He highlighted the subject to be discussed emphasizing that the execution of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights and the decisions of the  Constitutional Court are in a certain way laid on the same level, and the justice should be carried out in the stage of executions of judgments as well. Mr. Harutyunyan expected serious and effective dialogue and discussion.
Mr. Karel Hofstra Deputy Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan thanked Mr. Harutyunyan for organizing this important discussion at the RA Constitutional Court hoping that this event could be a new effective demonstration of the cooperation.

Mrs. Silvia Zehe Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Mr. Rouben Sahakyan President of the Armenia’s Chamber of Advocates, and Mrs. Alvina Gyulumyan Judge of the European Court of Human Rights had the welcome speeches as well.

The book “The execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights by the Republic of Armenia: problems and peculiarities”, carried out by the Armenian Chamber of Advocates with the support of the OSCE Office in Yerevan was represented at the roundtable. The study includes the judgments of the ECHR on Armenia since the first one till the period of 2010 December.

Mr. Ara Ghazaryan, expert, made report on the analysis of framework and conclusions on the execution process of judgements of the European Court of Human Rights on Armenia.

The expert Artak Zeynalyan made report titled “The Review Institute of judicial acts in Armenia. The suggestions on development process of the execution process of judgements of the European Court of Human Rights on Armenia”.

Mr. Gevorg Kostanyan, Deputy of General Prosecutor of the Republic of Armenia, Military Prosecutor of the RA, the representative of Armenian Government to the European Court of Human Rights, made report on “The execution process of judgements of the European Court of Human Rights on Armenia”.

The report of the President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia Mr. Gagik Harutyunyan was dedicated to “The efficiency of the Review Institute of judicial acts on the basis of new circumstances in the Republic of Armenia”.

Mrs. Alvina Gyulumyan, Judge of the European Court of Human Rights, touched upon the execution process of judgements and practice of the European Court of Human Rights.

Ms. Charlotte de Brutelle from Department for the Execution of Judgments of the ECHR, Directorate General of Human Rights and Legal Affairs of the European Court of Human Rights made a report on “The control on the execution process of judgements of the European Court of Human Rights by the Committee of Ministers: view from inside”.

During the discussions, trough questions and answers, many details were raised  around the topics of made reports.
Mr. Hrayr Tovmasyan, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Gagik Ghazinyan, President of the Bar Association of the Republic of Armenia, the members of the RA Constitutional Court, representatives of state structures of the RA, lawyers and other officials participated in the roundtable.

CC RA Press service

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May 26, 2011

On May 27, 2011 the roundtable on "The execution process of judgments by the European Court on Human Rights on Armenia" will take place at the session hall of the RA Constitutional Court.

The roundtable is organized by the Armenian Chamber of Advocates and the OSCE Office in Yerevan in cooperation with the Council of Europe and the RA Constitutional Court.

Mr. Gagik Harutyunyan, President of the RA Constitutional Court Mrs. Alvina Gyulumyan, Judge of the European Court of Human Rights Ms. Charlotte de Brutelle Department for the Execution of Judgments of the ECHR, Directorate General of Human Rights and Legal Affairs Mr. Gevorg Kostanyan, Deputy General Prosecutor Mr. Artak Zeynalyan, expert and others will take part in the discussions.

CC RA Press service

May 23, 2011

XV CONGRESS OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE EUROPEAN CONSTITUTIONAL COURTS STARTS ITS ACTIVITIES IN BUCHAREST ON MAY 23, 2011

On May 22 and 24 Dr. Gagik Harutyunyan, the President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia, had working meetings with the Presidents of the constitutional courts of Germany, Portugal, Croatia, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Latvia, Hungary, Georgia, Ukraine and Serbia as well as the delegates of the constitutional courts of Italy, Romania, Czech Republic and Poland.

Congress will continue its activities on May 24 and 25.

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May 23, 2011

PRESIDENT OF THE RA CONSTITUTIONAL COURT LEAVES FOR ROMANIA

On May 23-26, 2011 the XV Congress of the Conference of European Constitutional Courts will take place in Bucharest, Romania.

Besides the issues to be discussed by the Circle of Presidents, the discussions on relationship between constitutional courts and other state power bodies will be held.

The Constitutional Courts of all European countries have previously represented to the Congress their national reports on the abovementioned topic; President of the RA Constitutional Court G. Harutyunyan will make a presentation on this topic as well.

CC RA Press service

May 10, 2011

VISIT OF THE AMBASSADOR OF THE USA AT THE RA CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

On May 11, 2011 Mr. G. Harutyunyan, President of the RA Constitutional Court received Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the USA in Armenia H.E. Ms. Marie Yovanovitch.

The conversation was about the issues concerning reforms of the judicial system of the Republic of Armenia, development of the legislation, ensuring the principle of the rule of law, legal outcomes of the Constitutional Court decisions.

The Ambassador especially emphasized the role of the decisions adopted by the RA Constitutional Court on the basis of the applications of citizens in the constitutional legal development of our country. 

Mr. Steven Kessler, Resident Legal Advisor of the US Department of Justice of the US Embassy participated to the meeting as well.

CC RA Press service

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April 28, 2011

OFFICIAL VISIT COMES TO THE END

On April 27, 2011 the delegation of the Serbian Constitutional Court visited the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex. The Serbian judges laid the flowers at the eternal fire and paid a tribute to the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide. Then the guests got introduced to the documents of the Exhibition at the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute. Mr. Dragiša Slijepčević, Head of the delegation left a note in the Commemoration Book of the Museum.

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Then the guests visited the Mother See of Holly Echmiadzin, with great interest watched the exhibits of the Mayravanq Museum.

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The members of the delegation of the Serbian Constitutional Court reverently approached the Monument to the Serbian pilots who hurried to the distressed population after the Spitak earthquake of 1988 and became air crash victims.

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The next visiting place was the Temple “Zvartnotz”. Constructed in the 7th century and ruined after the earthquake in the 10th century one-time beautiful luxury complex of Medieval Armenian architecture left a big impression on the Serbian guests.

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The social program planned for the quests was completed by the visit to Sergey Parajonov’s Museum.

On April 28, 2011 the delegation of the Serbian Constitutional Court had a meeting at the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia. The conversation with Mr. Hovik Abrahamyan, Chairman of the National Assembly was about the relations of the Constitutional Courts of two countries, and in general, the Armenian - Serbian friendly relations.

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On April 29, 2011, the delegation of the Serbian Constitutional Court, who was in Yerevan with the three-day official visit by the invitation of the RA Constitutional Court, will return to home country.

CC RA Press service

April 27, 2011

OFFICIAL VISIT OF THE DELEGATION OF THE SERBIAN CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

On April 26, 2011, by the invitation of the President of the RA Constitutional Court Mr. G. Harutyunyan, the delegation of the Serbian Constitutional Court, headed by the President Dragiša Slijepčević arrived to Armenia with the official visit.

The cooperation of these two courts has long history. Serbian colleagues participated to the annual international conferences organized by the Armenian Constitutional Court, had range of exchanges of information and experience, and in July 2010, by the invitation of the President of the Serbian Constitutional Court, the delegation of the RA Constitutional Court, headed by the President G. Harutyunyan, arrived to Belgrade with the official visit.

And now the Serbian Constitutional Court pays the mutual official visit.

On April 26, 2011 the delegation of the Serbian Constitutional Court in composition of President Mr. Dragiša Slijepčević, Judges Ms. Bosa Nenadić, Ms. Olivera Vučić, Ms. Agneš Kartag-Odri, Mr. Milan Marković and Secretary of the delegation Ms. Ljubica Pavlovic had the meeting at the RA Constitutional Court: Mr. Harutyunyan introduced the RA Constitutional Court members and staff to the quests and mentioned that by this mutual visit the friendly and effective cooperation was strengthening and becoming continuous: We are called to solve the same problem. I am sure that this cooperation does not have only bilateral character, its role is also emphasized in the framework of common international cooperation, - added RA Constitutional Court President. Then Mr. Harutyunyan briefly represented the activity of the RA Constitutional Court, especially referring to the cases considered on the citizens applications and decisions adopted on them, as well as to the other actual problems.

In his turn President of the Serbian Constitutional Court represented the activity of the Serbian Constitutional Court, made parallels between the functions of two Courts, emphasized the friendly relations of two Courts: The visit of the Armenian Constitutional Court paid last year, and this visit show the stable foundation of the cooperation of the Constitutional Courts of our two countries.

The meeting was followed by the active discussion of the problems of mutual interest.

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On April 26 the delegation of the Serbian Constitutional Court visited Matenadaran, institute of ancient manuscripts after Mesrop Mashtots.

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The official visit of the delegation of the Serbian Constitutional Court is continuing: meetings at the National Assembly, Ministry of Justice, with Human Rights Defender, as well as visits to the Mother See of Holly Echmiadzin, Temple Zvartnotz, Monument to victims of Armenian Genocide, Sergey Parajonovs Museum are planned.

CC RA Press service

April 20, 2011

VISIT OF THE AMBASSADOR OF GEORGIA AT THE RA CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

On April 20, 2011 Mr. G. Harutyunyan, President of the RA Constitutional Court received newly nominated Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Georgia in Armenia H.E. Mr. Tengiz Sharmanashvili.

The visit was cognitive. Mr. G. Harutyunyan congratulated the quest on the occasion of his nomination, made him acquainted with the activity, international relations of the RA Constitutional Court, especially the Armenian - Georgian relations, and high-level cooperation with the Constitutional Court of Georgia. Joint seminars and mutual visits have been organized with Georgian colleagues.

The both parties highly evaluated the friendship of two neighbor nations, expressing willingness to promote further partnership relations.

Mr. A. Hakobyan, Head of the Staff of the RA Constitutional Court also participated to the meeting.

CC RA Press service

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April 14, 2011

SEMINAR DEDICATED TO THE PROBLEMS OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONSTITUTIONALITY IN THE COUNTRY

On April 13 the seminar on The legal outcomes of the RA Constitutional Court decisions, aimed to make comprehensive discussion on actual problems of constitutional development in the country, taking into account the legal positions of the RA Constitutional Court, took place in the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia.

The seminar was organised by the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia and Consulatation for Legal and Judicial Reform in the South Caucasus GIZ Coordination office in Yerevan.

This is the 8th Seminar organised in cooperation with the German specialists for recent years. The President of the RA Constitutional Court opened the seminar and in his greeting speech ephasized the actuality of the topics to be discussed at the seminar, stressing that the discussion of this topic will be also continued at the Yerevan International Conference (with the participation of delegates from different countries) to be held on October 6-8, 2011. Mr. Vardan Poghosyan, the Head of the Consultation for Legal and Judicial Reform in the South Caucasus GIZ Yerevan Coordination office made a greeting speech and stressed the scientific and practical significance of the organisation of this seminar, where legal outcomes of the constitutional court decisions will be discussed.

During the seminar the President of the RA Constitutional Court Mr. G. Harutyunyan made the speech on "Scientific legal role and significance of the legal positions of the Constitutional Court".

Afterwards, Mr. Otto Luchterhandt, world-renowned Constitutionalist, Professor of the Hamburg University, summarising the German experience and making a deep comparative analysis, made a report on "The Role of Constitutional Court's decisions in an objective and subjective legal protection and as a source of law".

Constitutionalist Vardan Poghosyan addressed to the audience as a co-reporter.

An interesting and wide discussion started around the reports and the participants made reference not only to international experience, but also to the concrete solutions of existing problems both at the legislative policy level, and in the legal implemetion practice.

Minister of Justice Mr. H. Tovmasyan, Chairman of the RA Court of Cassation Mr. A. Mkrtumyan, President of the Armenian Bar Association Mr. G. Ghazinyan, the staff and members of the RA Constitutional Court and the Court of Cassation of the Republic Armenia, Members of Parliament, Presidents of courts, members of the Prosecutor's Office, lawyers, and jurists participated to Seminar.

CC RA Press service

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April 13, 2011

ON THE RULE OF LAW
(in English, in Russian)

April 11, 2011

Electronic version of the Article Systemic Monitoring of the Constitutionalism and Perspectives of Development of the Constitutional Control of the President of the RA Constitutional Court, Professor G. Harutyunyan dedicated to the Global Challenges of Development of Constitutionalism
(in Russian)

March 31, 2011

Almanac 2010
Constitutional justice in the new millennium
(in English, Russian and French)

March 16, 2011

VISIT AT THE RA CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

On March 16, 2011 Mr. G. Harutyunyan, President of the RA Constitutional Court received Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Armenia Mr. Vyacheslav Kovalenko. The issues concerning the official invitation of the RA Constitutional Court President to the events dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation were discussed. The Ambassador emphasized the fact that, in the framework of the events, by the participation of the President of the Russian Federation, other officials and public, the solemn session will be held in the State Kremlin Palace where the RA Constitutional Court President is also officially invited. On the same day the participants will leave for Saint Petersburg, where the two-day seminar on Constitutional review. Doctrine and practice will be held at the Palace of Congresses.

The Ambassador emphasized the special approach according to which the welcome speech of Mr. G. Harutyunyan at the solemn session, as well as his presentation at the international seminar in Saint Petersburg is programmed.

Mr. Harutyunyan has gratefully accepted the invitation.

CC RA Press service

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March 1, 2011

ACTUAL PROBLEM

TERM OF CONSTITUTIONALISM: RULE OF LAW, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
G. Harutyunyan
(in Armenian, pdf, 0.3mb)

February 25, 2011

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE IRZ FOUNDATION IN THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

The German Foundation for International Cooperation (IRZ-Stiftung), with assignment of Federal Government of Germany, is aimed to support to the reforms of legal system and justice in the Republic of Armenia.

On February 24 President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia G. Harutyunyan received Ms. Britta Schwarz and Mr. Falk Bomsdorf, charged for the preparation of future projects to be implemented in Armenia.

They have spoken of the possible cooperation with the IRZ Foundation in the field of acting legal reforms in Armenia.

Afterwards, the guests watched the exibition opened and placed in the Constitutional Court building on the ocassion of 15th Anniversary of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia.

CC RA Press service

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February 22, 2011

EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOR DEMOCRACY THROUGH LAW
(VENICE COMMISSION)

STUDY ON INDIVIDUAL ACCESS TO CONSTITUTIONAL JUSTICE
Adopted by the Venice Commission at its 85th Plenary Session (Venice, 17-18 December 2010)
(in English, in Russian, pdf)

February 21, 2011

FUTURE JOURNALISTS IN THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

On February 19 President of the Constitutional Court of Armenia G. Harutyunyan received pupils from the high groups of "TV-ideal" specialized School-Studio of anchors and journalists. The co-founder and the head of the School-Studio the journalist Gayane Paytyan presented the pupils, emphasizing that they, as future journalists, have looked forward to this meeting to hear the outlooks of the President of the Constitutional Court on the judicial system, the Constitution, acting laws of the country, the relations between the state and the society.
The future journalists, who are going to report on current situation, successes and problems of our country listened with interest Mr. Harutyunyan's instructive speech, which then turned into the friendly conversation. The President of the Constitutional Court of the RA answered to other numerous questions of pupils, one of which concerned on celebration of St. Sargis Day - the patron saint of young lovers. Mr. Harutyunyan advised pupils to be guided by love and devotion in all cases of life.
Mr. Harutyunyan presented to the Studio library the multiple copies of the book "The Constitution and the Art", which was recently published on the occasion of the 15th Anniversary of the Constitutional Court of Republic of Armenia.

CC RA Press service

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February 15, 2011

"Constitutional Justice"
Bulletin of the Conference of Constitutional Control Organs of the States of New Democracy.
NN 4(50) 2010, 1(51) 2011
(in Russian, in English)

February 11, 2011

The Decisions of the RA Constitutional Court on the Constitutionality of Laws and Other Legal Acts, Norms (1996-2010)
Yerevan, Njar, 2011, 996 p.
(in Armenian, pdf, 4.5 mb)

February 11, 2011

The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia
(pdf, 40 mb)

February 10, 2011

The Bulletin of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia (in Armenian)
NN 4(57) 2010, 1(58) 2011

February 10, 2011

The Annual Report of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia (2010)
(in Armenian)

February 8, 2011

On 7 February on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the RA Constitutional Court with participation of Mr. Serj Sargsayan, the President of the Republic of Armenia the official reception was organized in the reception hall of the Government.

His Holiness Catholicos, Mr. H. Abrahamyan, President of the National Assembly, Mr. T. Sargsyan, Prime Minister, the Constitutional Court Members, Ministers, Members of the Parliament, Heads of Departments, and diplomatic persons participated to the reception.

Thanking for the participation Mr. G. Harutyunyan shortly represented the process of the formation of constitutional justice. I am sure that taking into consideration the lessons and challenges of the past years the Constitutional Court shall further execute its exclusive important mission, said Mr. G. Harutyunyan.

CC RA Press service

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February 7, 2011

CONSTITUTIONAL COURT 15TH ANNIVERSARY
CHRONICS OF JUBILEE EVENTS

On 4 February, 2011 Mr. Tigran Sargsyan, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. Aghvan Hovsepyan, the General Prosecutor, Mr. Alik Sargsyan, Head of the Police, Mr. Karen Karapetyan Mayor of Yerevan, Mr. Sergey Kapinos, Ambassador, Head of the Yerevan Office of the OSCE, Parliament members, Presidents of the Courts, lawyers were present at the reception dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the Constitutional court.

The art exhibition "Constitution &Art" was opened at the foyer and session hall of the Constitutional Court; the pieces of art of famous artists, as Carzou, Hakob Hakobyan and young avant-gardist were represented.

The event was opened by the hymn of the Republic of Armenia and the RA Constitutional Court. The author of the hymn of the RA Constitutional Court is memorable Rafayel Papayan, ex-member of the RA Constitutional Court, Mr. G. Harutyunyan, the President of the RA Constitutional Court made a short speech and emphasized the role of the RA Constitutional Court as a vanguard of the formation and development of the new constitutional mentality in the country, which brought to reality the new legal philosophical conceptual approaches of the constitutionalism, layd the cornerstone of the constitutional procedure and provided significant input in the solution of scientific methodological fundamental issues of constitutional justice (the speech of G. Harutyunyan, President of the RA CC on the occasion of 15th anniversary of formation of the RA Constitutional Court in Armenian, is provided in the website of the RA Constitutional Court).

The Golden Medal of the Constitutional Court was awarded to Mr. G. Ghazinyan, Dean of the Law Faculty of the YSU, Chairman of the Union of lawyers of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. S. Kapinos, Ambassador, Head of the Yerevan Office of the OSCE, Mr. Ruben Sahakyan, President of Armenia's Chamber of Advocates, and Mr. Vardan Poghosyan, Head of the Armenian office of German international cooperation for the active cooperation with the RA Constitutional Court, contribution to the development of legal culture in the country and on the occasion of 15th anniversary of the RA Constitutional Court Mr. G. Ghazinyan, Dean of the Law Faculty of the YSU, Chairman of the Union of lawyers of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. S. Kapinos, Ambassador, Head of the Yerevan Office of the OSCE, Mr. Ruben Sahakyan, President of Armenia's Chamber of Advocates, and Mr. Vardan Poghosyan, Head of the Armenian Office of German International Cooperation.

In the framework of the reception the jubilee issue of the Bulletin of the RA Constitutional Court (where the annual report on the condition of the implementation of the CC decisions of 2010 is included) and the collection "RA Constitutional Court decisions on the constitutionality of laws and other legal acts (1996 2010)" (995 pages) were presented. From 1000 decisions adopted by the RA Constitutional Court 99 were included in this collection. They concern the constitutionality of laws and other legal acts, the study of which can be useful for law-making process as a source of law, as well as for executors of law, reserchears of the fundamental problems of laws, citizens who apply to the RA Constitutional Court.

During the event the participants enjoyed the exhibition.

The opening of this exhibition is symbolic, said G. Harutyunyan, the President of the RA Constitutional Court, we wanted to emphasize that nowadays more attention should be paid to the axiology of the Constitution. Rule-of-law state, constitutional democracy is typical to the country where a certain constitutional culture exists. Mr. Harutyunyan expressed his gratitude to all supporters and promoters of the exhibition. First of all, to Mr. Hakob Hakobyan who greatly signifies this exhibition by amicably providing his works, Viki Shoghag Hovhannisyan who not only brought from the USA the works of Carzou from her own collection, she also supported the publication of the Album Constitution & Art which was distributed among the participants. Mr. G. Harutyunyan awarded Mrs. Hovhannisyan with letter of acknowledgment for her diligent attitude. The response speech of Mr. Hovhannisyan was very emotional: Thank you very much for this unique occasion that I was trusted to curate and represent this exhibition on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the RA Constitutional Court. Art works by their contents unite the ideology of Constitution and Art, as the constitutional right of the people who create the art and craft is the reflection of modern issues in our life. This exhibition is the vivid evidence of the spiritual connection of Artists and Citizen, right holder.

CC RA Press service

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February 7, 2011

The speech of G.Harutyunyan, President of the RA CC, at the event dedicated to 15th anniversary of formation of the RA Constitutional Court, held on February 4, 2011.
(in Armenian)

January 24, 2011

THE 2ND CONGRESS OF THE WORLD CONFERENCE ON CONSTITUTIONAL JUSTICE IS COMPLETED

The 2nd Congress of the World Conference on Constitutional Justice was held in the hallat the Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana Hotel on 16 - 18 January 2011 with participation of delegations of 91 countries and 18 international organizations.

Mr. Christoph Grabenwarter, Co-President of the Joint Council on Constitutional Justice of the Venice Commission, the key speaker of the first plenary session of the Congress emphasized that the planned pivotal discussions would be held especially on such fundamental problems as those the President of the RA Constitutional Court referred to in his written presentation.

Mr. Gianni Buquicchio, the President of the Venice Commission in his turn valued the acquisition of the international developments of the recent years on the example of Armenia taking into consideration the fact of the huge contribution of the Armenian Constitutional Court into development of this field, as well as into reveal and solution of different fundamental problems of international significance.

Mr. G. Harutyunyan, President of the RA Constitutional Court chaired the final plenary session of the Congress where the main approaches were discussed which will be decisive for the improvement of the effectiveness of constitutional justice in different countries in future.
The President of the RA Constitutional Court participated to the sessions of Bureau of the Congress, where in particular was decided to conduct the next Congress in Seoul, South Korea in 2014.

In the framework of the Congress the President of the RA Constitutional Court had working meetings with delegations of Austria, Hungary, Thailand, Algeria, Andorra, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Latvia, Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Serbia, Croatia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Canada.

On January 20 the President of the RA Constitutional Court laid the wreath to the monument of the victims of Armenian genocide, had meetings with members of the Administrative Council of Armenian Apostolic Church St. George, members of the Brazilian local body of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, executives and members of the Brazilian branch of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, various organizations of Brazilian Armenians, as well as lawyers, and youth representatives. Mr. Ashot Eghiazaryan, the Extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of the Republic of Armenia in Brazil and Ms. Tiruhi Burmayan, Member of the Board of Trustees of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund participated to those meetings.

Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in the federal republic of Brazil
21.01.2011

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January 12, 2011

THE PRESIDENT OF THE RA CONSTITUTIONAL COURT LEAVES FOR BRAZIL

The 2nd Congress of the World Conference on Constitutional Justice will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 16 to 18 January 2011. The topic of the 2nd Congress will be Separation of Powers and Independence of Constitutional Courts and Equivalent Bodies.

The bodies of constitutional review of more than 125 countries are included in this organization; representatives of about 100 countries will take part in this Congress. The work of the Congress is coordinated by the Bureau, which was elected during the first Congress of the World Conference on Constitutional Justice (23 to 24 January, 2009, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa); the session of the Bureau will be invited on 16 January 2011. Professor G. Harutyunyan, the President of the RA Constitutional Court, Member of Bureau of the Congress of the World Conference on Constitutional Justice will chair the third plenary session of the Congress and will make a presentation at the first plenary session.

The text of the presentation (in Russian and in English) of Mr. Harutyunyan is placed on the web site of the RA Constitutional Court and on the web site of the Congress.

CC RA Press service