ARFD member: Armenian prime minister discussed corruption issues with lawmakers

On May 14, Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan held a brainstorming on corruption and heard all the proposals and remarks of the lawmakers, Head of ARF Dashnaktsutyun Faction Armen Rustamyan told reporters.

He said that representatives of all factions, except the Armenian National Congress, took part in the discussion. Rustamyan noted that the lawmakers presented their assessments of the issues related to corruption and monopolies in the country. "I hope the Prime Minister will take resolute steps because he initiated the discussion," he said. When asked whether Hovik Abrahamyan will fight against himself, Rustamyan stressed the need to create mechanisms to reveal the origin of property of the officials and their families.      

For his part, Head of the Armenian Government's Staff David Harutyunyan said that he is not going to tell the details of the meeting, because the meeting was held behind the close doors. He noted, however, that he has received a lot of proposals both by e-mail and during private conversations.    

On May 12, Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan spoke of the fight against corruption, obliging the law- enforcement departments engaged in the field to make regular reports on the process. In case of no progress, the human resources policy will be revised. He said the persons holding state positions and their relatives must not be allowed to participate in the state procurement and the program must be implemented on the government funds. He said all these measures are impossible unless there is sustainable and long-term economic growth that will allow creating new jobs and reducing social tension.  The prime minister admitted that the government was not consistent enough in fighting monopolies. On February 12, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan also said that it is time to change a lot of things.  Meanwhile, many partners of Armenia, including the EU and the US, have already stated that they are going to provide no financial assistance for combating corruption until they see specific and tangible results.