Government prefers corruption to solving issues of state security
12:54, March 9, 2018 | News, Other news
US Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills’ statements on corruption note once again that, despite repeated statements by the government and the political majority, the fight against corruption in Armenia is ineffective. Human rights defender Artur Sakunts made such an observation in his interview to Lragir.am.
As stated by him, the Ambassador put it in mild, diplomatic language; yet, in reality, that statement means that no fight is lead against corruption. “Moreover, during the discussion with the Prime Minister, the funding that was allocated to the fight against corruption, specifically for the activity of the Anti-corruption Council, was found to be ineffective and was directed towards other goals. That is to say, it can also be stated that, as a body, the Anti-corruption Council cannot be considered to be effective. I should recall that it was repeatedly stated by both the US Ambassador and EU Ambassador to Armenia Świtalski that corruption in Armenia has already turned into a security issue. This was repeatedly voiced by representatives of civil society as well. Thus, we can also state that security issue is not a pritority for the authorities. Moreover, they prefer corruption to solving the issues of state security,” said he.
According to the human rights defender, a situation has emerged where the main factor impeding the development of the country is corruption.
“The main cause of poverty, migration, the decline in trust in the state and authorities as well as the inadequate fight against internal and external challenges is corruption. I hold that the major issue on the public agenda should be the issue of the fight against corruption. I am positive that it is an issue with regard to which there can be no objections by the authorities, the opposition and the public. Therefore, the main goal of public mobilization should be the fight against corruption,” said he.
As indicated by Sakunts, resources should neither be exhausted nor directed towards solving limited governmental or political issues but should be directed towards the establishment of an effective body to combat corruption.
The human rights defender brings the example of the anti-corruption body in Romania.
As stated by him, a law should be enacted in order to establish a universal anti-corruption model.
This is a red line which will reveal whether the authorities are really willing to take a real step in the fight against corruption.
“And this should first be addressed to the political majority itself, different representatives of which have repeatedly stated about the importance of the fight against corruption. If you find it to be important, then you ought to pass a law on a universal anti-corruption model which should have investigative, educational and informative functions,” said he.
According to Sakunts, the civil movement should place this very demand on its agenda.
“We are very well aware that the inefficient fight against political corruption is conditioned by the authorities’ lack of proper will. However, I believe that putting forward a public demand to establish a universal anti-corruption model without demanding that the ARP or Serzh Sargsyan should yield power is the way which can lead to success in the RA. In case such a body is established, I assure you that the results will certainly be obvious in a year. And I am ready to work in such a body,” said he.