KHACHATUR ABOVYAN ARMENIAN STATE PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY

Karol Karski, Doctor of Law, a Polish politician, lecturer and professor and a member of the European Parliament, delivered a lecture at Armenian State Pedagogical University on “Relationship between National Law and International Law.”

The lecture was attended by Jerzy Marek Nowakowski, Ambassador of Poland to the Republic of Armenia, Tigran Gasparyan, Armenia’s representative in the Humanities Institute after Jaroslav Průšek, Mayor of Masis town Davit Hambardzumyan, lecturers and students of the ASPU.
In his speech, the Polish scientist focused on the supremacy of international law over domestic law and pacta sunt servanda (Latin for 'agreements must be kept’), stressing that states are obliged to fulfill their commitments. “International law requires that state authorities create a de facto situation in their country for the fulfillment of their international obligations."

Karol Karski noted that the domestic legal system is like a hierarchical ladder and, giving the example of the Constitution of Poland - the supreme legal act in the country’s legal system, cited the words of the former chairman of the Polish Constitutional Tribunal who said the decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Union take precedence.

Professor Karol Karski also presented a series of actions in case of discrepancy between domestic law and international legal norms. He stressed that the respect for the country's foreign commitments and obligations stem from the principle of pacta sunt servanda. "When there is an incompatibility between international and domestic legal norms, the state decides on its respective responsibilities for the performance of its obligations,” he stressed.

At the end of the lecture, the Polish scientist added that the question of state responsibility/accountability/ may arise within the framework of international law, which, as a rule, is within the competence of the country's top leadership.

Mr Karski also answered the questions of the attendees.

By a decision of the ASPU Academic Board, ASPU Rector Ruben Mirzakhanyan conferred the title of ASPU Honorary Doctor on Karol Karski, expressing confidence that the scientist would again visit the ASPU and deliver lectures at the University.

“I am glad both as a scholar and as a political figure to be awarded this title which once again speaks to the friendly and good neighbourly relations between Armenia and Poland. It also shows that we can cooperate in political and economic sectors as well as in the academic field which will contribute to the development of this branch in both countries,” Mr Karski said.

Karol Karski visited the ASPU with his family. They toured the ASPU Museum, got acquainted with the history and chronology of the University and left a note about their warmest impressions in the Memory Book.

Mr Karski has an extensive experience in international law. He has been actively involved in international law and policy since 2004. He is also an experienced politician and diplomat.

Karol Karski is also a member of a number of international associations, including the International Law Association (ILA), and the author of over 100 articles and books. His main interests and directions include international criminal law, international humanitarian law, international human rights law and relationship between international and national laws.