MARIE YOVANOVITCH: CORRUPTION IS FLOURISHING IN ARMENIA BECAUSE IT IS ACCEPTED BY SOCIETY
Noyan Tapan
Dec 11, 2009
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 11, NOYAN TAPAN. Corruption is flourishing in Armenia
because it is accepted by society, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia
Marie Yovanovitch said during a talk with reporters on December 9 –
International Anti-Corruption Day. Attaching special importance to
raising society’s awareness in the fight against corruption, she said
that the society should demand that the government be transparent
in its activities and accountable to the public. In her words, it
is important for citizens to say no to corruption and bribery and be
more demanding in the defense of their rights.
M. Yovanovitch pointed out the significance of the USAID Mobilizing
Action Against Corruption (MAAC) Activity, under which large-scale work
is being done to raise public awareness. MAAC is being implemented in
all the marzes and in Yerevan. Advocacy and Assistance Centers have
been opened throughout the country, and in the past year 2,000 people
have applied to these centers with the request to protect their rights.
The U.S. ambassador was among the participants of the forum organized
in connection with International Anti-Corruption Day by the USAID, the
OSCE Yerevan Office, and the Office of the RA Prosecutor General. M.
Yovanovitch delivered a speech, in which she expressed the U.S.
government’s willingness to assist Armenia with its fight against
corruption. She said that they in the United States saw the
consequences of the disease called corruption in various cities,
nevertheless, it is possible to combat that disease.
The Acting Resident Coordinator of the UN Maria Dotsenko considered
corruption as a serious obstacle to Armenia’s development, noting
that the UN welcomes the readiness of the RA government to combat
corruption. According to her, the adoption of the 2009-2012
anti-corruption strategy program of Armenia is an inspiring step.
Corruption can be overcome by joint efforts, and the UN will support
Armenia in this issue.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
