Tuesday, 22 November 2016
PM receives PACE Monitoring Committee co-rapporteurs on Armenia
Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan received the PACE Monitoring Committee co-rapporteurs on Armenia Alan Meale and Giuseppe Galati.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of cooperation with the Council of Europe and the priorities and direction of his government’s reform efforts. Karen Karapetyan noted that currently work is being done to diagnose the problems in the economy, which will be addressed on the basis of long-term measures and actions. The Premier said that the government’s short-term program clearly defines those measures that can ensure quick results. The Prime Minister added that they will be aimed at ensuring fair and transparent business environment, in various sectors and areas of the citizen, to satisfy the citizens’ demand for justice.
“The government has taken on the responsibility of implementing reforms, which means that the changes will start first of all from us. Changes must be made in the system of governance, economic development programs and in many other fields” the Premier said, adding that there is a need for change in the political atmosphere. The Prime Minister noted that the government’s primary objectives will be to develop and propose a package of judicial reforms, aimed at combating corruption. In that regard, Karen Karapetyan emphasized the need for change in the environment, which will reduce corruption and related risks and that several steps have already be taken to this end.
Stressing the importance of a consistent government policy in these areas, the co-rapporteurs noted that the Council of Europe is ready to provide assistance to our country, and wished every success for the reforms so that Armenia could go ahead on the way of democratic development. The co-rapporteurs thanked the Armenian government for accepting Syrian citizens and providing all the necessary the conditions for them.
During the meeting, the parties discussed a number of issues of mutual interest.
