Armenian Government discusses anti-corruption issues 

ArmInfo. Chaired by Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan, the Anti-Corruption Council held a meeting at the Government.   

First of all, the Council touched on the issues related to  liquidation of administrative corruption in provision of public  services. Karen Zadoyan, Chairman of the Armenian Young Lawyers  Association, suggested re- launching anti-corruption centers in  Armenia. He said that in 2011-2014 there were 11 such centers funded  by USAID. Zadoyan pointed out that the anti-corruption centers should  provide legal support to the citizens who suffered from corruption,  monitor the procedures and legislative acts, make proposals on  reforms, and enhance public awareness. It is envisaged to implement  the program at the expense of co-financing of the Government and  donor organizations. 

Prime Minister Karapetyan stressed the importance of involving the  civil society in the process, ensuring a feedback and enhancing the  public control. He instructed Head of the Armenian Government Staff  David Harutyunyan to initiate debates on this idea with participation  of the relevant structures.  

As regards the protection of the persons providing information about  corruption crimes, Karen Zadoyan said that their rights are protected  in accordance with the current legislation that stipulates certain  security guarantees. In addition, he suggested setting up an  e-platform, via which anonymous complaints will be received. 

Armenian Justice Minister Arpine Hovhannisyan pointed out that these  issues are being discussed. She added that it is also envisaged to  create an opportunity to give a reciprocal question to the anonymous  person who provides the information about corruption. The Prime  Minister instructed David Harutyunyan and Arpine Hovhannisyan to take  steps towards introduction of protection mechanisms for those persons  and submission of the relevant draft law for the consideration of the  Government. 

Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center Executive Director  Sona Ayvazyan presented the problems related to the clashes of  interests, declaration of property and revenues in public service.  Minister Arpine Hovhannisyan said that legislative packages are being  prepared to resolve the existing problems.  Karen Karepetyan  instructed the Justice Ministry to submit the relevant package to the  Government. 

The Council also touched on the proposals on the system  anti-corruption reforms in the business sector.  The proposals  concerned introduction of an institute of business interests  defender, official investigations, measures of responsibility, etc.  "I attach much importance to creation of an equal, fair and  transparent field in the business environment in business," the Prime  Minister said, stressing the significance of the proposals. 

As regards the corruption in the education sector, the Prime Minister  noted that a package of reforms is being prepared to settle the  problems. Karen Karapetyan instructed the Ministry of Education and  Science to study the existing problems and submit its proposals to  the Government