Monday, 18 June 2012
PM Introduces Newly Appointed Ministers
Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan introduced to ministry staffs the newly appointed five ministers: Minister of Transport and Communications Gagik Beglaryan, Minister of Urban Development Samvel Tadevosyan, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Artem Asatryan, Minister of Healthcare Derenik Dumanyan and Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Hrachya Rostomyan.
Concerning the appointment of new ministers, the Prime Minister stated, in particular, “You know that a new government cabinet is formed following the parliamentary elections, in accordance with Article 74 of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia. The government is supposed to submit a program of activities to the National Assembly. The elections have led to changes. In particular, we are forming the new government in a new format. Under this logic, two coalition parties are forming a new government under the coalition agreement.”
Introducing newly appointed Minister of Transport and Communication Gagik Beglaryan, Tigran Sargsyan said, "The Ministry of Transport and Communications was involved in some serious processes over the past few years. Firstly, the construction of the North-South Highway, which we carry out in experience with the Asian Development Bank. This year large-scale construction works will start and tenders will be held to reveal those major European organizations, which for the first time in the Republic of Armenia will build a road corresponding to the best European standards. The second most important function is the cooperation with the World Bank, which provides large credit facilities in order to improve the state of roads of national importance and inter-communal roads in the Republic of Armenia. The next area is the new program of digitization in the telecommunications sector, where we should be able to carry out digitization in accordance with new European requirements, without which it would be impossible to provide high-quality broadcasting. There are other programs as well, but I will dwell on the ones stated above because they are major nationwide programs to have a significant impact on our economic performance.
In this regard, I wish to thank Manuk Vardanyan for good work. He honored the responsibility assumed together with us. We see that the ministry has built up a serious potential for implementation of all programs.
At the same time, I want to congratulate Mr. Beglaryan on his appointment as Minister. I am convinced that he will be able to ensure continuity in the works of the Ministry. Those programs which we started, will be brought to its logical conclusion.”
Introducing newly appointed Minister of Urban Development of Armenia Samvel Tadevosyan, Tigran Sargsyan said. “His work experience and knowledge meet the demands that are put before the Minister. From this perspective, I wish him a fruitful work. At the same time I want to thank Vardan Vardanian for their cooperation. I appreciate Mr. Vardanian, and as a specialist, and as a minister and as a colleague, with whom we have over the years have gone through severe trials.
I am convinced that the ministry will do everything to make this change has been smooth and that the newly appointed Minister was able to move smoothly to the execution of their duties.
The Ministry has carried out large-scale work during these years. Together with you, we managed to implement the largest ever construction project since independence. USD 250mn-worth activities were carried out in the disaster zone resulting in some 6,000 shelters built for homeless families. As a matter of fact, drastic changes have been made in the disaster zone. The Ministry faces new challenges today, including the introduction of new standards and a new development culture, as well as the enhancement of town planning control in construction industry. This problem is the center of public attention. People are putting forth legitimate requirements and, at this point, we must carry out such changes.”
Introducing newly appointed Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Artem Asatryan, Tigran Sargsyan said: “First of all, I would like to thank Arthur Grigoryan for his tenure=long good work. I appreciate Mr. Grigoryan as a man and as a minister, and I think you share my view that he was able to implement all those tasks put before the Ministry. In this sense, this is a commendable thing. I think Arthur Grigoryan is one of our best ministers.
You know very well Artem Asatryan. He is one of our most experienced professionals. He has demonstrated that he can take on complex problems and solve them with dignity. I wish Artem Asatryan productive work.
The social sphere is a priority in the Republic of Armenia as we have not yet solved the problem of poverty and badly need highly skilled professionals. It is clear that the social problems have different aspects. Work in this area often affects the general attitude toward the Government and the authorities. We have serious things to do in this field. If we list our reform agenda, it may become clear what a large-scale work is waiting for you. The new pension reform is deemed to be most complex and lengthy one in the world as it is associated with all spheres of public life. The implementation of integrated social services will significantly improve the quality of public services. We must provide disabled people with reintegration opportunities. Also, we must create an appropriate environment for their life and so on.
I am convinced that the ministry team will ensure a smooth transition. These changes will be painless, and Artem Asatryan can take control of things as shortly as possible so that all the proposed targets are met effectively.”
Introducing newly appointed Minister of Healthcare Derenik Dumanian, Tigran Sargsyan said, “I am convinced that many of you are well aware Derenik Dumanyan, because he is a well-known healthcare figure who is held in deep respect by all his colleagues which is quite an important success factor. At the same time, Mr. Dumanyan is also a political activist, a member of the executive body of the Republican Party, and we have a good understanding of its managerial and professional skills. Mr. Dumanyan is going to lead the healthcare system and I wish him a fruitful work.
At the same time, I wish to thank Mr. Kushkyan who is absent from the country with the Prime Minister’s permission.
We began a new round of reform in the health sector which is a very complicated stage. It implies first of all improvement of financial arrangements, introduction of market practices, creation of equal competitive conditions. We have a program to modernize the system. Over these years, large-scale work has been carried out in this area, with modern hospitals built in the provinces. Our population will appreciate it indeed.
The healthcare system will face two major problems over the coming years. Firstly, the quality of services will have to be improved, which implies not only the use of modern equipments and activities, but also the enrollment of professional medical staff who should have the opportunity to undergo training in the best medical institutions of the world and make these services available to our society.
Secondly, our citizens should be able to benefit from these services. It is no secret that very often our citizens refrain from medical treatment for want of financial resources. A priority will be to ensure access to health services for all citizens. This is just the key target of the new government program. The lack of financial resources should not be a reason for our citizens to avoid resorting to primary care.
I am convinced that the long experience and knowledge of Mr. Dumanyan will help us effectively implement these changes.”
Introducing newly appointed Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Hrachya Rostomyan, Tigran Sargsyan said, “Mr.Rostomyan is a well-known figure in the field of sports. You know that he has an athletic record full of difficulties. He has shown himself as a good organizer strong with the needed professional qualifications. All this testifies to the fact that Mr. Rostomyan can serve as minister. As young as he is, Mr. Rostomyan has extensive experience in this field, which inspires the hope that he will be able to cope with the tasks put before him.
Our number one task is to make physical education a mass event in Armenia. I am convinced that together with you Mr. Rostomyan can solve this problem.
He is well aware of the problems and concerns of young people in this area. I believe his leadership will ensure serious progress.
I want to thank Arthur Petrosyan for good work. During the past few difficult years, we did our best often lacking in the needed means. Nevertheless, we recorded significant achievements and progress largely thanks to Mr. Petrosyan’s personal contribution.”
In conclusion, the former and newly appointed ministers thanked the Prime Minister for kind remarks and high confidence.
