EU-Armenia Civil Society platform concerned about processes  surrounding election of two Commission members

ArmInfo. The EU-Armenia Civil Society platform is concerned about the processes surrounding  the election of two members of the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption.

A message from the Platform at ArmInfo's disposal notes that the  focus of their attention was on the publications of the media and  expert circles regarding the problematic process of filling two  vacant seats of members of the Commission for the Prevention of  Corruption. In particular, regarding the decision of the ruling Civil  Contract party not to elect Haykuhi Harutyunyan, who previously held  the post, chairman of the commission for this position.

The platform notes that according to media publications, the ruling  force invited Harutyunyan to a closed meeting of the party, where she  was expressed dissatisfaction with the decisions taken by the  Commission headed by her.

"Several members of the ruling faction reminded Harutyunyan of the  decisions and actions taken against themselves, their family members  and friends, expressing dissatisfaction with them," the statement  said.

In this regard, the EU-Armenia Civil Society Platform noted that it  has already expressed concerns about the possible involvement of some  individuals prosecuted by the Commission in corruption schemes, and  shared them with relevant international and domestic partners.

"Unfortunately, instead of paying due attention to the concerns of  the Commission and the EU-Armenia Civil Society Platform, the faction  decided to get rid of Haykuhi Harutyunyan, following the wishes of  several of its members, guided by personal interests.

At the same time, we consider it important to note that during the  presidency of Haykuhi Harutyunyan, the Commission has proven itself  to be a truly independent and professional body in the system of  anti- corruption bodies, which is reflected in the reports of a  number of international partners," the Platform stated.

In this regard, the Platform called on the ruling force to take  seriously its powers in the process of forming an independent  commission to prevent corruption. "In this regard, we propose to  postpone the elections of members of the Commission scheduled for the  next four days of the National Assembly and organize public hearings  with the participation of representatives of civil society coalitions  involved in the fight against corruption, including members of the  EU-Armenia civil society platform. We propose to the remaining  members of the faction not leave this issue to a minority driven by  narrow self-interest and actively participate in this issue," the  statement said.