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The unicameral parliament (also called the National Assembly) is dominated by a coalition, called "Unity" (Miasnutyun), between the Republican and Peoples Parties and the Agro-Technical Peoples Union, aided by numerous independents. Dashnaksutyun, which was outlawed by Ter-Petrosian in 1995-96 but legalized again after Ter-Petrosian resigned, also usually supports the government. A new party, the Republic Party, is headed by ex-Prime Minister Aram Sargsian, brother of the late Vazgen Sargsian, and has become the primary voice of the opposition, which also includes the communists, the National Accord Party of Artashes Geghamian, and elements of the former Ter-Petrossian government.
The Government of Armenia's stated aim is to build a Western-style parliamentary democracy as the basis of its form of government. However, international observers have questioned the inherent fairness of parliamentary and presidential elections and constitutional referenda since 1995, citing polling deficiencies, lack of cooperation by the electoral commission, and poor maintenance of electoral lists and polling places. Observers noted, though, that opposition parties and candidates have been able to mount credible campaigns and proper polling procedures have been generally followed. Elections since 1998 have represented an improvement in terms of both fairness and efficiency, although they have not met international standards. The new constitution of 1995 greatly expanded the powers of the executive branch and gives it much more influence over the judiciary and municipal officials.
The observance of human rights in Armenia is uneven and is marked by shortcomings. Police brutality still goes largely unreported, while observers note that defendants are often beaten to extract confessions and are denied visits from relatives and lawyers. Public demonstrations usually take place without government interference, though one rally in November 2000 by an opposition party was followed by the arrest and imprisonment for a month of its organizer. Freedom of religion is not always protected under existing law. Nontraditional churches, especially the Jehovah's Witnesses, have been subjected to harassment, sometimes violently. All churches apart from the Armenian Apostolic Church must register with the government, and proselytizing is forbidden by law. The government's policy toward conscientious objection is in transition, as part of Armenia's accession to the Council of Europe. Most of Armenia's ethnic Azeri population was deported in 1988-89 and remain refugees, largely in Azerbaijan. Armenia's record on discrimination toward the few remaining national minorities is generally good. The government does not restrict internal or international travel. Although freedom of the press and speech are guaranteed, the government maintains its monopoly over television and radioFor other uses see: radio (disambiguation Radio is a technology that allows the transmission of signals by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of light. Radio waves Radio waves are a form of electromagnetic radiation, and are broadcasting.
Country name:
conventional long form:
Republic of Armenia
conventional short form:
Armenia
local long form:
Hayastani Hanrapetut'yun
local short form:
Hayastan
former:
Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic; Armenian Republic
Data code: AM
Government type: republic
Capital: YerevanMashtots Avenue from the Matenadaran Yerevan ( Armenian: or ; sometimes written as Erevan former names include Erivan and Erebuni (population: 1,201,539 (1989 census); 1,088,300 (2004 estimate)) is the largest city and capital of Armenia. It is situated o
Administrative divisions: Armenia is divided into 10 provinces (marzer, singular - marz) and 1 city* (k'aghak'ner, singular - k'aghak'): AragatsotnAragatsotn is one of the provinces of Armenia. It is in the west of the country, and its capital is Ashtarak. The name means "a foot of Aragats" (the highest mountain of the Republic of Armenia) External links Provinces of Armenia., AraratArarat could be Mount Ararat Ararat province in Armenia Ararat, Australia Ararat (movie), a movie by Armenian-Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan about an Armenian-Canadian filmmaker making a movie about the Armenian holocaust., ArmavirArmavir is one of the provinces of Armenia. It is in the south-west of the country, bordering Turkey. Its capital is Armavir. Provinces of Armenia., Geghark'unik'Geghark'unik ( is one of the provinces of Armenia. It is in the east of the country, bordering Azerbaijan. Much of its area is the lake Sevena Lich. Its capital is Gavarr. External links Provinces of Armenia., Kotayk'Kotayk is one of the provinces of Armenia. It is in the centre of the country. Its capital is Hrazdan. It is also home to the highly frequented tourist destinations Garni and Geghard. Kotayk is also one of Armenian beers. Provinces of Armenia., LorriLorri is one of the provinces of Armenia. It is in the north of the country, bordering Georgia. Its capital is Vanadzor. It is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Haghpat and Sanahin. Provinces of Armenia., Shirak, Syunik', Tavush, Vayots' Dzor, Yerevan*
Independence: 28 May 1918-2 December 1920 (First Armenian Republic); 23 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)
National holiday: Referendum Day, 21 September
Constitution: adopted by nationwide referendum 5 July 1995
Legal system: based on civil law system
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state:
President Robert KOCHARIAN (since 30 March 1998)
head of government:
Prime Minister Aram SARKISYAN (since 3 November 1999)
cabinet:
Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
elections:
president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; special election last held 30 March 1998 (next to be held NA March 2003); prime minister appointed by the president
election results:
Robert KOCHARIAN elected president; percent of vote - Robert KOCHARIAN 59%, Karen DEMIRCHYAN 41%
Legislative branch:
unicameral National Assembly (Parliament) or Azgayin Zhoghov (131 seats; members serve four-year terms)
elections:
last held 30 May 1999 (next to be held in the spring of 2003)
election results:
percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - unity bloc 61 (Republican Party 41, People's Party of Armenia 20), Stability Group (independent Armenian deputies who have formed a bloc) 21, ACP 10, independents 10, ARF (Dashnak) 8, Law and Unity Party 7, NDU 6, Law-Governed Party 6, unfilled 2; note - seats by party change frequently
Judicial branch: Supreme Court; Constitutional Court
Political parties and leaders:
International organization participation: BSEC , CE, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant)
Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Arman KIRAKOSIAN
chancery:
2225 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:
[1] (202) 319-1976
FAX:
[1] (202) 319-2982
consulate(s) general:
Los Angeles
Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Michael LEMMON
embassy:
18 General Bagramian Avenue, Yerevan
mailing address:
American Embassy Yerevan, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-7020
telephone:
[374] (2) 151-551
FAX:
[374] (2) 151-550
Flag description:
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, and orange
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