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18
09, 2008
President Serzh Sargsyan presented at the Court of Cassations the newly appointed President of the Court, Arman Mkrtumian
Today President Serzh Sargsyan presented at the Court of Cassations the newly appointed President of the Court, Arman Mkrtumian.
Noting that the decree on his nomination was signed on September 17 based on the recommendation of the Justice Council, the President of Armenia congratulated Arman Mkrtumian on this appointment to this extremely responsible position and expressed wish that he set an example by his work and professional conduct for all the judges of Armenia.
In his remarks Serzh Sargsyan particularly said:
“It is obvious that the quality of justice is evaluated by the public opinion and if we look at it from that point of view then the implementation of justice in our country is harshly wilted to say the least.
I have said on many occasions and I repeat it now that I will do my best so that the courts in our country are independent and the judges are incorruptible. However, presidential intent or the efforts by the executive branch coupled with the judicial initiatives is not enough to solve this vital issue. We need to have supporters from inside, we need your initiatives and we express readiness to assist you. You should be able to put together the judicial system.
All those countries, which are considered to be accomplished states, walked down a long road but succeeded in establishing a really independent courts and incorruptible judges. It is quite clear the ideal state of affairs cannot be achieved in one, ten, fifty or even hundred years but it is necessary to strive for it, and there is no doubt about it. I understand that the courts are hardly able to satisfy everyone’s aspirations, I understand that there always will be discontent people, but it cannot be brought forward as a reason, neither can discontent of some people justify ineptitude. Courts cannot meet everyone’s expectations and this approach will not be accepted.
We, along with you, must see certain changes every month, every year. If there are no changes, conclusions must be drawn. My conclusions of yesterday, day before and today brought us to this meeting. I want the judges of the Court of Cassation to realize their responsibilities and their role so that all of you together assist the President of the Court to reevaluate past activities, maintain whatever positive has been achieved with the reforms and certainly in many cases to make a U-turn and scrutinize the new which you’ve tried to introduce since if trust is not increasing and discontent is not decreasing it means that the reforms have not reached their objective. We shouldn’t be restricted by any decision otherwise we won’t be able to achieve success.
When opposite processes are taking place, when judges seek the establishment of the courts with general authorities it honestly puzzles me. As far as I know about the judicial systems of the long accomplished countries, it is always right the opposite process that is taking place. It is necessary to analyze the situation, to evaluate and to have courage to say “yes, we made some steps, our intentions and goals were honest, but it didn’t work out.” Anyone who is unbiased toward the situation will not attempt to give another assessment.
I reiterated as President of Armenia that all our interested structures are ready to assist the judicial system. We all want the quality of justice in our country to improve substantially. You must be the initiators and the leaders of the process and it should be observable for all.”
The President of Armenia expressed confidence that without much ado the President of the Court of Cassations would present his proposals regarding his vision of the reforms and present avenues for solving the existing problems.
Concluding his remarks, Serzh Sargsyan said, “We must display intolerance towards corruption, we must display intolerance towards irresponsibility and towards lack of self-criticism. The sense of impunity will be abolished.”
Noting that the decree on his nomination was signed on September 17 based on the recommendation of the Justice Council, the President of Armenia congratulated Arman Mkrtumian on this appointment to this extremely responsible position and expressed wish that he set an example by his work and professional conduct for all the judges of Armenia.
In his remarks Serzh Sargsyan particularly said:
“It is obvious that the quality of justice is evaluated by the public opinion and if we look at it from that point of view then the implementation of justice in our country is harshly wilted to say the least.
I have said on many occasions and I repeat it now that I will do my best so that the courts in our country are independent and the judges are incorruptible. However, presidential intent or the efforts by the executive branch coupled with the judicial initiatives is not enough to solve this vital issue. We need to have supporters from inside, we need your initiatives and we express readiness to assist you. You should be able to put together the judicial system.
All those countries, which are considered to be accomplished states, walked down a long road but succeeded in establishing a really independent courts and incorruptible judges. It is quite clear the ideal state of affairs cannot be achieved in one, ten, fifty or even hundred years but it is necessary to strive for it, and there is no doubt about it. I understand that the courts are hardly able to satisfy everyone’s aspirations, I understand that there always will be discontent people, but it cannot be brought forward as a reason, neither can discontent of some people justify ineptitude. Courts cannot meet everyone’s expectations and this approach will not be accepted.
We, along with you, must see certain changes every month, every year. If there are no changes, conclusions must be drawn. My conclusions of yesterday, day before and today brought us to this meeting. I want the judges of the Court of Cassation to realize their responsibilities and their role so that all of you together assist the President of the Court to reevaluate past activities, maintain whatever positive has been achieved with the reforms and certainly in many cases to make a U-turn and scrutinize the new which you’ve tried to introduce since if trust is not increasing and discontent is not decreasing it means that the reforms have not reached their objective. We shouldn’t be restricted by any decision otherwise we won’t be able to achieve success.
When opposite processes are taking place, when judges seek the establishment of the courts with general authorities it honestly puzzles me. As far as I know about the judicial systems of the long accomplished countries, it is always right the opposite process that is taking place. It is necessary to analyze the situation, to evaluate and to have courage to say “yes, we made some steps, our intentions and goals were honest, but it didn’t work out.” Anyone who is unbiased toward the situation will not attempt to give another assessment.
I reiterated as President of Armenia that all our interested structures are ready to assist the judicial system. We all want the quality of justice in our country to improve substantially. You must be the initiators and the leaders of the process and it should be observable for all.”
The President of Armenia expressed confidence that without much ado the President of the Court of Cassations would present his proposals regarding his vision of the reforms and present avenues for solving the existing problems.
Concluding his remarks, Serzh Sargsyan said, “We must display intolerance towards corruption, we must display intolerance towards irresponsibility and towards lack of self-criticism. The sense of impunity will be abolished.”