13:37, 20 February 2004

First Armenian ombudsperson is woman

Larisa Alaverdian, chairwoman of the Foundation Against Illegality, has been appointed the first ombudsperson of Armenia. The Regnum news agency was told at the Armenian President's press service President of Armenia Robert Kocharian singed the appropriate order on February 19.

The introduction of the ombudsman institution is a requirement of the Council of Europe.

To remind, opposition forces in the Armenian parliament boycotted debates about the candidacy of the first ombudsperson in the republic's history nominated by the president. Opposition activists explained their decision by saying it was not connected with their dislike of the candidate's personal traits but with the procedure of solving the issue. At the same time, the opposition forces found difficulty in nominating a candidate alternative to Alaverdian.

Editors note: See also the article "Armenian President announces ombudsman's nomination to National Assembly".

Source: REGNUM News Agency