The fight against corruption is the Armenian government’s strategic priority and raising awareness is its most important component, Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan has said.
Grigoryan made the remarks at a conference on challenges in the fight against corruption, organized as part of the Uniting Efforts to Prevent Corruption one-month national campaign. The conference was organized on the occasion of the International Anti-Corruption Day.
“The government has numerously said on the highest level that the fight against corruption is our strategic priority. We are committed to the provision defined in the government action plan whereby the government is determined to wage unwavering fight, with the involvement of all stakeholders, against corruption, to ultimately eradicate all manifestations of corruption,” Grigoryan said.
He added that ever since taking office in 2018, the Pashinyan Administration has made consistent efforts to create and develop an institutional anti-corruption system.
“We realize that an effective fight against corruption is only possible through a coordinated and regulated manner. Our citizens must realize that corruption hinders the implementation of key reforms, which in turn indirectly impacts their quality of life,” the Deputy PM said.
He said raising awareness is of utmost importance.Grigoryan said the development of a targeted awareness policy and anti-corruption education are of key importance. This, in turn, will ensure a broader public involvement and support in anti-corruption reforms.
Minister of Justice Srbuhi Galyan greeted the participants of the conference through a video message.In her remarks, Galyan said the fight against corruption requires united efforts.
“For six years our country has been consistently combating corruption, with the idea of zero tolerance for corruption at the core. Over the course of the years, we were able to develop institutions that are in charge of fighting corruption in any given direction,” she said, adding that Armenia is no longer among the countries that do not have institutional systems for fighting corruption.
Mission Director of USAID/Armenia John Allelo attached importance to the conference. He said that the USAID integrity program in Armenia is aimed at developing zero tolerance for corruption in the country.
“This includes targeted support to the Corruption Prevention Commission and the Justice Ministry as main structures,” he said.Allelo said the USAID has provided support in planning the actions in the 2023-2026 anti-corruption strategies.
