Anti-corruption Policies and Good Governance
00:00, October 19, 2010 | Press Release | Prevention of Corruption
On October 17, 2010 a working meeting on “Anti-corruption Policies and Good Governance” was held in Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly-Vanadzor (HCAV).
The meeting was conducted by Robert J. Smolik – a diplomat and foreign policy professional lecturer. He is an expert of cross-cultural, democracy and governance, who was in Armenia at the invitation of the US Embassy in Armenia.
The focus of the meeting was exchanging experiences on anti-corruption policies.
The coordinator of HCA-Vanadzor, lawyers of the organization, public defenders and attorneys participated in the meeting.
The lawyers of HCA-Vanadzor presented the experience of the organization regarding the rights and interests protection of citizens who suffered due to corruption. Other participants of the meeting presented their experience in that sphere as well.
The participants presented the following events related to the prevention of corruption: increase of salary, civic will, democratic elections, reform of the legislation and correct application of the laws towards citizens from low-income families.
One of the participants of the meeting mentioned: “Law is for the rich, and punishment is for the poor”, and the other added that it was necessary to struggle against corruption not only in the internal “circles” but also in the supreme ones.
At the end of the meeting Robert Smolik mentioned: “HCA-Vanadzor is preceding on the right path regarding anti-corruption policies and pushes the right “buttons”. However, according to my experience, it takes one generation for significant changes to occur”.
He also mentioned that proper procedures are important in the struggle against corruption.