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On November 2, 2006 a seminar-discussion on “Cooperation of Local Authorities and Civil Society in the Direction of Implementation of RA Anti-corruption Programs” took place in the office of HCA Vanadzor.

The discussion aimed at revealing anti-corruption developments and problems in Lori region. Representatives from Lori region administration, municipality of Vanadzor, NGOs, political parties, mass media, OSCE Yerevan office participated in the discussion.
Gayane Simonyan, the project manager of OSCE Yerevan office presented OSCE activities in implementing anti-corruption projects. She mentioned that a coalition of 12 NGOs was created with the aim of supporting anti-corruption activities of NGOs. Zohrab Torosyan, the deputy governor of Lori region, pointed out that the administration of Lori region was the first to react the anti-corruption management program. The web-site of Lori region administration was created in order to provide the transparency of administration activities. Besides, the governor of Lori region makes a quarterly report on current activities. It is covered by local TVs and press. Transparent activity of the administration gives an opportunity to escape corruption risks.

However, the problem is that not all citizens can work on the computer, and most people can’t afford buying a newspaper.

Gagik Simonyan, the secretary of the municipality of Vanadzor, assures that all complains of citizens, which concern community issues, get the form of legal acts and they are solved in favour of citizens.

Artur Sakunts, the coordinator of HCA Vanadzor, does not agree to that opinion. He mentions that it is difficult if you want to get acquainted with the resolution of the mayor of Vanadzor and avagani (counselors), and it is not so available. The bulletins printed by the municipality do not present full information. Moreover, the resolutions of the mayor and avagani are not hung in the municipality or in other places available for citizens.

According to A. Sakunts the application of the law “On Freedom of Information” can be the best mechanism for providing transparency in the activities of state and public structures. He thinks that, first of all one should be consistent in implementing anti-corruption projects.

The participants of the discussion share the viewpoint that corruption is acceptable by our society and before fighting against it we should break the stereotypes in people. The role of NGOs and mass media is very important in it.

Journalist Gayane Hovsepyan mentions that it is more difficult to disseminate information than to get it. According to her, it is the uncertainty of the journalist that inhibits the investigative journalism. The journalist realizes that his security is not provided. Besides that, corruption phenomena are widespread among many mass media. There are journalists who get a considerable “honorarium” for writing ordered articles.

“If there is no corresponding activity officially we have to fight against corruption with public efforts and with people”-Vaga Amirkhanyan, the head of “Hakastver” NGO summarized the participants’ opinion.

The discussion was organized by “Hakastver” NGO with support from OSCE Yerevan office.