YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Economic development is a priority for the government of the Republic of Armenia and all efforts of the Executive are aimed to solve that problem, said Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan during the first government session on fighting against corruption.
“It is the responsibility of everyone, be it an opposition party, NGO, the government, legislative body, to consolidate efforts to move our country forward. This is our future. The current geopolitical location, inside and outside challenges force us to consolidate and move forward,” he said.
According to him, blocking streets, conducting sit-ins does not benefit anyone. Hovik Abrahamyan thinks that such activities can be approved when the protesters are not heard. “But starting with the President of the Republic, there has never been an occasion that we do not express readiness to meet them and discuss. As concerns to the issue that some discussions do not lead to decisions, I have to mention that the proposed solutions are not always right. When we meet, explain, introduce the ways then people say yes, it is right. I think there is lack of such meetings Abrahamyan indicated.
At the same time, the head of the Government expressed an opinion that opposition representatives are under the impression that if they cooperate with the authorities they will be discredited. “No, my friends. It is not the correct way. We are ready to talk, discuss and that is the only way to move the country forward. Any other method has a negative impact on the progress of our country. If there are questions, we must bring it to the agenda of the Council, invite everyone in order people come and introduce their viewpoints and concerns. Blocking streets, conducting sit-ins are unacceptable for me. The government is always ready to discuss problems. The government has always told the opposition parties, factions that we are open for you, let’s discuss”, emphasized Hovik Abrahamyan.
At the same time, the PM assessed the session as productive and frank. The members of the Council are the Minister Chief of Staff Davit Harutyunyan, the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Armenia Gagik Khachatryan, the Deputy Minister of Justice of Armenia Suren Krmoyan and the President of the Public Council of Armenia Vazgen Manukyan, representatives of different NGOs and organizations. Only Vahan Babayan from Prosperous Armenia represented an opposition party at the session. The Council confirmed the new anti-corruption strategy which will be included in the forthcoming session of the Government to be confirmed by it. The new strategy was introduced by the Deputy Minister of Justice of Armenia Arsen Mkrtchyan.
