Armenian MPs discuss bill on state of emergency

The Armenian parliament has approved discussions of the bill on a state of emergency, News Armenia reports.

Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan proposed Chairman of Parliament Samvel Nikoyan to update the bill, which was approved in the first reading on February 9. The bill says that a state of emergency should only be imposed in case of a threat to the Constitution or attempts to organize a coup.

A state of emergency may come into force in cases of military rebellions, mass disorders, terrorism, occupation or blockade of facilities, operation of illegal armed formations, ethnic, racial, religious conflicts, resulting in violence or threats to lives.

Attempts to pass the bill were made in twice in 2007, but the initiative was halted due to disagreements.