Edgar Ghazaryan refuses to give up mandate following Armenian  Parliament incident

ArmInfo.Edgar Ghazaryan, a member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia from the opposition "Strong Armenia" faction, has stated that  he has no intention of giving up his parliamentary mandate following yesterday's incident in the National Assembly.

Speaking to journalists, Ghazaryan noted that the matter has not even  been discussed during faction meetings, nor is there any  consideration of him becoming an independent deputy. He emphasized  that full mutual understanding exists between him and his faction  partners, ensuring that recent criticisms will not alter his status.  "I am a member of parliament from the 'Strong Armenia' faction and  will continue my work in the National Assembly in my current  capacity," Ghazaryan said, adding that he refuses to bow to demands  from ruling party lawmakers.

 Meanwhile, Sisak Gabrielyan, an MP from the ruling "Civil Contract"  faction, told reporters that Ghazaryan's behavior should be deeply  offensive to the leadership of his own faction, asserting that a  public apology is the only logical step. Gabrielyan pointed to  statements made by opposition leader Narek Karapetyan indicating that  Ghazaryan had stepped outside acceptable ethical boundaries,  suggesting the lawmaker is ignoring the stance of his own leadership.  Gabrielyan added that the ruling party's sharp reaction was a natural  response to unacceptable conduct.