An event dedicated to the International Anti-Corruption Day is currently being held in the framework of the EU-funded “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” Project.

Deputy Minister of Justice Suren Krmoyan delivered a welcoming speech at the event.

“Today, for the first time, we will discuss the initial version of the anti-corruption strategy with the civil society. Today’s event is unprecedented by the fact that this strategy is for the first time presented not by summarizing all the opinions of the state bodies, but it is first discussed with the civil society. Simultaneously, the draft anti-corruption strategy has been put into circulation and has been sent to all state bodies. This means that the role of civil society and the development of participatory policies in the anti-corruption sphere are highly appreciated,” Suren Krmoyan said.

The Deputy Minister mentioned that the current situation is unprecedented because there is now an unprecedented level of confidence in the anti-corruption programs implemented by the government.

“I think everyone knows the Government’s political will to fight corruption and achieve results in a short period of time. The component of this political will, which was being debated and criticized, I think today does not cause any doubts. There is no doubt about the government’s confidence in programs implemented by the government,” he said.

Suren Krmoyan mentioned that previously the international partners had recorded that Armenia had a problem: the society is tolerant towards corruption, does not participate and does not believe in the fight against it.

“The biggest obstacle to anti-corruption measures is that the government announces plans, but no one believes in or accepts these programs. At present, we have a very good basis for this strategy to be really participatory, really effective and productive. We would call this strategy innovative or digital. If you study it, you will see that we have included many elements in the strategy that are innovative and based on digital technologies,” the Deputy Minister said and added that a great attention was paid to public awareness and education. “Taking the advantage of society’s enthusiasm, we need to educate the society, show ways to combat corruption, and methods to appeal.”

The Deputy Minister expects that representatives of the civil society and business will present practical proposals on corruption risks and the methodology to overcome them. “Of course, we have used a professional team and tools, but I am convinced that based on the knowledge and experience of each of you, you will propose additional actions that can be incorporated into this strategy.”