Public discussion on the “Draft of the Republic of Armenia Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2014 – 2018” was held in Vanadzor with the participation of CSOs and Mass media representatives of Lori region. It was organised by the Armenian Young Lawyers Association NGO in the framework of the EU-funded “Multi-Faceted Anti-Corruption Promotion” project. Welcome speeches were delivered by the Executive Director of the Armenian Young Lawyers Association NGO and Project coordinator/Grants manager of the “Multi-Faceteed Anti-Corruption Promotion” project Artak Saribekyan, Secretary of the Working group on the Anti-Corruption strategy Mariam Galstyan, who also presented the “Draft of the RA Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2014-2018″ developed by the Ministry of Justice. The project experts presented the possibilities of establishing an independent multi-functional anti-corruption body and criminalizing the illicit enrichment in Armenia.

After the presentations active discussions revolved, those present came up with suggestions and expressed their opinions. In particular, member of the initiative group “Initiating youth, developing community” Henry Mkhitaryan suggested to implement the coordination and implementation of Anti-corruption reforms in Armenia through CSOs, and not through state officials. And “Union of Lori residents” charity organisation president Menua Brutyan spoke about the necessity of studying and revealing the underlying reasons of the corruption, and then presented two suggestions: putting the accent of reforms on education and anti-corruption mindset-forming among the young generation, as through this it is possible to reach system reforms. And the second suggestion related to the management of the Council which will implement the control in the anti-corruption system in Armenia and over the reforms. Mr Brutyan suggested to review the provision of having the RA Prime-Minister to head the Council, and in general replace the management function with that of presiding Council meetings. “Peace Dialogue” NGO representative Armine Zakaryan suggested to implement anti-corruption education in schools, and not just by inserting a new subject in the program, but by holding regular seminars and discussions on anti-corruption.

All the suggestions presented by the representatives of CSOs and Media during Public Discussion will be summarized and presented to the Ministry of Justice.

Iravaban.net