November 26, 2005 - 12:59 AMT
Armenian Leader Considers Opposition Intention to Boycott Referendum Incomprehensible
Armenian President Robert Kocharian considers the intention of the opposition forces to boycott the referendum on introducing amendments to the Constitution scheduled November 27 incomprehensible, while in his opinion their decision to recall their representatives from election commissions is unacceptable. In an interview with Armenia's central TV channels, R. Kocharian stated that the Electoral Code of Armenia does not provide for a procedure of recalling a member from the CEC or District Election Commission. "Both Justice and National Unity blocs have one representative each in the CEC and District Election Commissions of Armenia. The President appoints one representative to each of these as well. This means we have the same rights. As soon as our representatives become part of Election Commissions, they automatically become civil officers and work in a state structure. Beginning on that moment, according to the law, the work in the Commission becomes their direct duty," the Armenian President said. In case of failure to meet one's obligations the question of responsibility arises, he emphasized.

"People urging to boycott the referendum have in their time boycotted the Karabakh war. Today these people live rather well and moreover, they are going to boycott the future of our country and our children. I will vote for the reforms and I will do it openly," the Armenian President emphasized, reported IA Regnum.