The Government of the Republic of Armenia

President Serzh Sargsyan visited today the Government House and at the first session of the newly formed government met with the prime minister and the newly appointed ministers. At the beginning, the President of Armenia congratulated them on the appointment to the high positions and wished them productive work. After that the President Sargsyan spoke about the tasks set before the Government.

“As you know, we have concluded in the stipulated period of time the formation of the government of the Republic of Armenia. On this occasion, I congratulate you all on your appointment to the high state positions, or more precisely on assuming your duties at the high state positions and wish you success. It is needless to speak about the responsibility which now lies with you. It is obvious that increased the administrative efficiency will be the number one task facing the Government. In the world, in our region and in Armenia there is no shortage of challenges. Obviously, it is easier to develop, much easier to achieve high economic results when the situation around is peaceful, when one’s neighbors and partners have economic growth. It becomes even more difficult when there are negative signals, but one has to do his best and develop further. We certainly have to remain competitive and consistently raise the productivity of our economy. In my opinion, and the world experience proves it, that it is possible to manage better, more productively even modest resources and reach considerably better results. I believe our society has the same expectations. Potential of our economy and our society in general lies in a more organized and goal-oriented work. By the constitutional reforms we have de facto started a structural reformation in our country. From that point of view, the current government has the most important role to play, i.e. to become the locomotive of the reforms, to become the driving force and implementer of these reforms. The transition from the semi-presidential system of governance to the parliamentary model changes not only the model of governance but first of all the collective mentality and solves the problem of the collective change of perception. Probably, people do not see quite clearly how the constitutional reforms will change our reality and the fact of the transition to a new model of governance. You will become the pioneers of this transition period, and I believe in your abilities; I believe that this government of the Republic of Armenia can do things that other governments were not able to do. Of course, you will not be alone in this work; all state structures of our country will be working in harmony. I promise you that. You will get support, assistance; you will be encouraged, others will go in step with you, but as I have said, the government must become the locomotive, government must become the engineer. I once again congratulate you all and wish you success. Expectations held by our people are conditioned by the success of this government which means that it is necessary to start working vigorously. I urge you to dedicate to the work fully. There will be many difficulties in the working relations but stay strong, resolute as we have agreed, don’t resent and don’t despair. We all have to understand that when we enter the public service, the private becomes secondary, or rather moves into the background. I am confident that your families and your friends will understand that. Don’t be afraid that they will say that you’ve become ministers, members of the government and have no time for them, give them insufficient attention. By dedicating yourselves to the work, you double your attention towards your family members and most importantly towards our people. Stay united. The Prime Minister is not just your boss, he is also the leader of this team, I am have no doubt his possible reproaches or remarks are not personal; they will serve only and only the purpose of raising the productivity of the works. We really have a lot to do, and we will be resolute on that route. We have to move only forward. Look forward. Don’t try to find the roots of the problems in the past. It’s the easiest thing to do. It is necessary to find ways to move forward. This is the only formula of success, and I am confident that our mutual work will bring success.

That’s all I wanted to say. If you have any questions, I will be happy to take them,” that the President of Armenia at the meeting with the members of the Government.

The Prime Minister thanked the President on behalf of the team for the trust and compelling words and ensured that by its daily work the Government will send a signal to the citizens of Armenia with regard to improving their expectations and anticipations. The Prime Minister noted that the government program to be presented soon will specify the steps and measures aimed at the safe and secure life of the citizens, will insure their life in a fair environment, trust towards the future. Karen Karapetian assured that throughout its activities the government will establish a strong feedback with the public and will regularly explain the type of works carried out, their purpose and will consider the public’s expectations and recommendations.