More than a year ago the Armenian Young Lawyers Association had conducted an expert analyses studying and analyzing the the anti-corruption bodies that operate in different countries and the anti-corruption body that would be created in Armenia in compliance with the anti-corruption concept. The study which stated the expert forecasts and recommendations was submitted to the Government Staff and the Ministry of Justice. Mr. Marat Atovmyan, Expert of “Multi-Facieted anti-Corruption Promotion” project implemented by the AYLA said in the interview with Iravaban.net.
“We had made professional forecasts on the fact that the structure will not be able to work professionally, and these forecasts are coming true. As we see the CSOs and the NA opposition parties refused to participate in the Council. And there were no steps made to discuss and to understand why they refused to participate. There were also no steps to change the format of the council,” Mrs Atovmyan said.
According to the expert the Anti-Corruption Council is not a professional and independent body, and this was seen at yesterday’s session. “There were problems in terms of organization, different people were present and it was not clear who are the council members and who were the invitees, and also why and on what basis they were invited. The agenda included topics, speeches and evaluations that had nothing to do with fight against corruption. If sessions in this format are held periodically, I do not think that the activities of the Council will be useful and effective,” said the expert.
He also added that Armenia should create a professional and independent body which activities should be the wide range fight against corruption. “This is a multi-faceted activity, which needs constant and professional involvement.”
