Today, the draft report developed by the working group of “Armenian Lawyers’ Association” NGO in the framework of the “Strengthening Public Oversight and Mechanisms for the Prevention of Corruption in Food Safety Sector” was discussed.
Representatives of interested the parties, including the RA Ministry of Healthcare, the State Food Safety Service, different non-governmental organizations, who made their observations attended the meeting. Project Manager, Lawyer Mariam Zadoyan presented the working process of project implementation, its methodology and referred to the international practice as well.
She noted that in this area in the legal system of the RA is behind. “Almost all countries, even in the neighboring Azerbaijan, have a clear position at least on the use or cultivation of genetically modified organisms. Whereas our country has no clear position on this issue. This is a major legislative gap. In addition there is also the Cartagena Protocol. Its study revealed that a number of commitments were not implemented by Armenia,” Miss Zadoyan said.
Based on observation made by the Expert Lawyer Armine Chakhalyan, analysis of problematic provisions of the Draft RA Law on Genetically Modified Organisms and Biosafety were included in the report, drawing a comparison with the legal systems of other countries. “For example, the Serbian law regulates legal relations in connection with the loading and transportation of GMO products; such reference is missing in our law. There are also provisions on expert group as a decision-maker on conflict of interest, which may result in corruption in the sector,” the Expert Lawyer said.
As a result of tough discussions some amendments will be made in the draft. All considerations, comments and information received as a result of their professional experience will be taken into account as well. Sectoral emphases and examples were made especially on the example of the recent fact of imports of Azerbaijanian apples in to Armenia by smuggling.
The Project was implemented with financial support of the Office of the RA President by the “Armenian Lawyers’ Association” NGO in cooperation with the Youth Foundation of Armenia, partner of the Office of the RA President.
