The Armenian parliament has passed a bill on the state of emergency in the first reading, News Armenia reports.
67 MPs voted for and 1 against. 25 MPs were not present at the vote.
The voting was postponed for 20 minutes on request of the Republican Party. Some absent MPs said that their votes were used by those present at the reading.
The law on state of emergency says that the state is imposed in case of threats to the constitutional system, attempts to organize a coup or take over power. It may also be imposed during rebellions, mass disorders, terrorist attacks, occupation and blockade, acts of illegal armed formations, ethnic, religious and racial conflicts.
Attempts to pass the bill were made in twice in 2007, it provoked disagreements.
