Consituton And National Borders

[Z'areh]

Today I find out that one of the amendments in the draft constitution will enable the president of the republic to change the borders with the consent of the parliament.

 

Are there other examples of such powers in other democracies, or in countries that democracy means something? Changing borders cannot possibly be within the sole discretion of a parliament, what about a case where the parliament majority is subservient to the president? And this in a country where the people do not believe that their votes actually reflects the composition of the parliament.

 

I can understand the constitution requiring the president to defend the borders but to change it? I find this extremely worrisome especially in light of the deadlock in the Artsax negotiations. I do not have the text of the constitution, but the mere fact that the West is pushing for the passing of the constitution makes me wonder if this is not in fact Kocharian's deal with the devil to stay in power in return.

 

Can anyone blame those who think this is in preparation for territorial compromises?

[DominO123]

Today I find out that one of the amendments in the draft constitution will enable the president of the republic to change the borders with the consent of the parliament.

 

Are there other examples of such powers in other democracies, or in countries that democracy means something? Changing borders cannot possibly be within the sole discretion of a parliament, what about a case where the parliament majority is subservient to the president? And this in a country where the people do not believe that their votes actually reflects the composition of the parliament.

 

I can understand the constitution requiring the president to defend the borders but to change it? I find this extremely worrisome especially in light of the deadlock in the Artsax negotiations. I do not have the text of the constitution, but the mere fact that the West is pushing for the passing of the constitution makes me wonder if this is not in fact Kocharian's deal with the devil to stay in power in return.

 

Can anyone blame those who think this is in preparation for territorial compromises?

 

Do you mean, giving land in exchange to Artsax?

[Z'areh]

Do you mean, giving land in exchange to Artsax?

 

Yes, probably it is an overreaction but anything that has to do with changing borders while there is the pressure of an unresolved territorial conflict, makes people nervous

[Dave]

Do you mean, giving land in exchange to Artsax?

 

I think it's more about provincial borders. If there is some opposition against Kocharian in 2 provinces located next to each other, he can unite those 2 provinces, which, in a way, would reduce opposition.

 

EDIT: Instead of provinces, read districts.

Edited November 9, 2005 by Dave

[Z'areh]

I think it's more about provincial borders. If there is some opposition against Kocharian in 2 provinces located next to each other, he can unite those 2 provinces, which, in a way, would reduce opposition.

 

Dave, I wish it were that simple and clear, but it's not.

 

 

[“Hayots Ashkhar” reports that Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian defended one of the amendments that would allow the president to change Armenia’s borders with the parliament’s consent. Meeting with university students on Friday, Oskanian said opposition claims that Kocharian is preparing to cede Armenian territory as part of a Artsax settlement are “nonsense.” “In reality, we are facing no such danger,” he said. ]

 

 

So there is this "unclear" issue that Oskanian had to remind the students as deing "nonsense". why? "because we are facing no such danger", Oskanian says,....for now, I say.

[shaunt]

It is called "gerrymandering," and it blows, real hard.