RA parliament accepts Vahan Hovhannisian resignationFebruary 28, 2008 - 14:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian National Assembly accepted Thursday the resignation of vice speaker Vahan Hovhannisian. "According to the regulations, if the vice speaker doesn't change his mind during three days, the resignation is accepted," parliament speaker Tigran Torosian said. The speaker thanked Mr Hovhannisian for efficient work in the office and voiced hope that he will proceed with his activity of a lawmaker, Novosti Armenia reports. Sending in his resignation on February 22, the vice speaker conditioned his decision by numerous violations during the election process. "We have witnessed violations, mass vote-buying and falsification of the election results. The nation was once again deprived of the possibility to express its will. I tried to convince our citizens that victory is possible but I miscalculated. I thank all those who voted for me and do call for restraint. Those initiating disorders should remember the year of 1996 when the mechanism of falsifications was put in operation. And this mechanism has been functioning up to the present day. I wish every success to all of my opponents and wish wisdom to Armenia's President-elect. I wish him to carry out efficient reforms so as not to resort to fraud and bribery during the next election," Mr Hovhannisian's statement said. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |