Armenia's National Assembly opened its spring session on Monday, with Prosperous Armenia party (BHK) leader Gagik Tsaroukyan appearing at the National Assembly for the first time since last May's parliamentary elections. The appearance of Mr Tsarukyan caused a sensation among legislators and journalists.
BHK Secretary Naira Zohrabyan was surprised to witness the excitement caused by BHK leader's arrival.
"On the other hand, I am glad to see that everyone is interested in Mr Tsarukyan. I see nothing extraordinary in this. Mr Tsarukyan will regularly attend NA sittings. He was absent from the previous sittings for good reasons; he was holding important meetings," said the BHK Secretary.
Gagik Tsarukyan left the NA hall with Galust Sahakyan, head of the Republican party faction, 20 minutes later.
The first day of the National Assembly session brought a number of surprises with it.
Among the MPs who came to the National Assembly was also Stepan Demirtchyan, Leader of the People's Party of Armenia (HZhK) who did not attend NA sittings over long-term health problems. Mr Demirtchyan reiterated once again that his party would not quit the opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK).
"HZhK and other forces affiliated with the opposition alliance should try to make HAK's activity more effective. HZhK has always actively participated in the presidential elections, and the candidates supported by our party have won the elections. This time, we are not participating in the election," said Mr Demirtchyan.
