YEREVAN, 16 June 2010 – An OSCE supported publication of the first-ever compilation of scientific and practical commentaries to the Armenian Constitution was launched today at the National Arts Gallery of Armenia. The publication, launched within the celebrations to mark the 15th anniversary of the RA Constitution and the Constitutional Court, was elaborated by 68 Armenian legal experts, lawyers and scholars. The compilation provides interpretations of the fundamental values of the Armenian Constitution, constitutional and legal nature of its aims and principles. The publication offers guidance and practical examples of the Constitutional Court’s decisions to be applied by the state institutions, courts, lawyers and other relevant parties in their daily work and will be useful for the public in general. Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan Ambassador Sergey Kapinos said: “The Commentaries to the Constitution are important in making the Constitution a more efficient direct instrument in the court procedure in Armenia while promoting a more effective judicial practice. What is of no less importance it can constitute a useful practical tool for both civil society and the judicial community.” The event brought together representatives from state bodies, scientific institutions, civil society organizations, foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations, including the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan and the Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan. Gagik Haroutiunyan, the Chairman of the Armenian Constitutional Court, pointed out that the book is of high importance for further formation and development of the Constitutional culture in the country. The publication was supported by the OSCE Office in Yerevan and ‘Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit’ (GTZ Armenia) to promote the rule of law in Armenia. For more information please contact Gayane Ter-Stepanyan, Press and Public Information Assistant, at 22 96 10/ 11/12/13/14 ext. 5407, mob. (091) 012603.

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