Armenian National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan has announced he will not serve in the newly elected parliament and has formally relinquished his deputy mandate. The speaker made the announcement at a press briefing for journalists today.
Explaining the reasoning behind his decision, Simonyan stated that he had intended to continue serving as speaker in the new parliament; however, the governing board of the ruling Civil Contract Party, which he leads, decided to nominate a different candidate for the post.
"I will not take the mandate and I will not come to the National Assembly to work as an ordinary deputy. The party's decision was different. I am a team player and I abide by my party's decision."
In accordance with the party's decision, current Deputy Speaker Ruben Rubinyan will succeed Alen Simonyan as parliament speaker.
Speaking about his future plans, Simonyan recalled that he had led the parliament through an exceptionally difficult and tense post-war period, and stressed that he currently needs time to rest and attend to his personal life. He also denied rumours circulating in the media that he would transition to the role of President of Armenia.