State politics and state structure of Armenia
Republic of Armenia is a sovereign, democratic, social, constitutional state with Presidential government.
The president of Armenia
The President of the Republic is the head of state and is elected by the citizens of Republic of Armenia for five years' term. He exercises his power in conformity with the Constitution and laws - on the basis of principle of separation of legislative, executive and judicial powers. The working president of Armenia is Robert Kocharyan (since March 30th, 1998 ).
Legislature of Armenia
In Armenia the unicameral National Assembly of Republic of Armenia consisting of 131 deputies is the higher legislature. The National Assembly is elected by people for five years' term. The last parliamentary elections we held in May 2007.
Executive Power of Armenia
The executive power is exercised by the Government of Republic of Armenia. The Government consists of the Prime minister appointed by the President, and ministers. The President of the Republic appoints the members of the Government offered by the Prime minister as well as dismisses them.
Judicial Power of Armenia
The judicial power in Republic of Armenia is exercised in conformity with the Constitution and laws. The judicial system of Armenia consists of the Court of Appeals, the Court of Review, the Economy Court , the Military Court , and the Constitutional Court. Republic of Armenia 's Prosecutor General Office is a uniform system headed by the Prosecutor General.
Political parties of Armenia
Since 1990 Armenia has had the multi-party system. The largest parties of the country are:
- The ruling Republican Party of Armenia
- The Prosperous Armenia
- Dashnakzutyun
- Bloc "Justice"
The Liberal Party “Orinats Yerkir” and the National Democratic Party – democratic party Heritage – parties in opposition.
Armed Forces of Armenia
Armed forces of Armenia consist of land forces, air forces, air defense forces and frontier troops (Security service).
Foreign Policy of Armenia
Armenia is a part of the CIS, a member of the United Nations Organization and its specialized organizations. Armenia is maintaining friendly relations with Iran due to the construction of the gas pipeline Iran-Armenia and with Russia . Under the conditions of aggravated Russian-Georgian relations and certain cooling in relations between Russia and Azerbaijan Armenia can be considered as the only strategic ally of Russia in Transcaucasia.
The foreign-policy situation of the country has become complicated in connection with the conflict with Azerbaijan around Nagorno Karabakh which started in 1988 and has turned to undeclared war between the two countries. In 1994 the agreement on cease-fire in Karabakh conflict was reached. However, the problem has remained unsettled and the instability has not been overcome.
Administrative Division of Armenia
Armenia consists of 11 provinces (marzes):
- Аragatsotn (capital Ashtarak)
- Ararat (Artashat)
- Lori (Vanadzor)
- Shirak (Gyumri)
- Syunik (Kapan)
- Armavir (Armavir)
- Gegharqunik (Gavar)
- Kotayk (Razdan)
- Tavush (Idzhevan)
- Vayots Dzor(Yeghegnadzor).
The republic's capital, Yerevan, has the oblast status.
Interior Government of Armenia
The provinces consist of urban and rural communities. The heads of the provinces (marzpets) are appointed and dismissed by the government. The communities are controlled by local governments. Local governments - the Elders quorum of the community and the head of the community (city mayor, village elder) – are elected for three-year term. Nominated by the Prime Minister the mayor of Yerevan is appointed and dismissed by the President of the Republic. Local authorities dispose of the communal property, approve local budget and supervise its execution, introduce local taxes etc.
