What is the objective of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, simply to show that it fights against corruption, or to ensure the state’s economic development and advancement? Advocate Marat Atovmyan, Member of AYLA Board raise this question.
“I do not raise this question intentionally, as the practice shows that the most successful countries in the fight against corruption the objective of the government was development of economy and corruption was viewed as a primary obstacles for it and so fight against corruption was carried out,” said the advocate and introduced the opposite situation, “If the objective of the state is simply to accepts strategies and pass anti-corruption laws, formally establish artificial bodies, to show the international community that a fight against corruption is carried out, and to improve the international ratings, then this is simply self-delusion and not effective.”
Turning to our reality the advocate mentioned that two strategies had been developed and launched in Armenia from 2003 till 2012. “Now the terms of these strategies have expired, but in fact did not even undergo serious monitoring to evaluate the extent to which these strategic programs were implemented. And if not implemented what was the problem: lack of the financial resources and political will or the lack of human will?” Mr. Atovmyan said and added that without considering all these the government has developed a third strategy, “Which is different from the previous ones, because for the first time the idea of formation of a “bona fide” class of officials is raised. In this respect it differs, but the problem is that if the strategy is adopted whether we shall have the bodies in our country which will be able to fight the corruption. In my opinion this strategy does not foresee establishment of such bodies. In my opinion, this strategy does not provide for the creation of such bodies because first of all the Anti-Corruption Council is not independent. In addition, it is anticipated that an expert group will be formed, which should do all the “dirty work”. But in this case this body will include only a few experts, who I believe, will not be independent and having few people may be able to carry out major functions,” Mr. Atovmyan concluded.
