"During the June 2 session of the Government, we will sum up the first results of the fight against corruption, bribery and monopolies," Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan told reporters on May 31.
When commenting on Armenian Economy Minister Artsvik Minasyan's statement about possible restriction on sugar import to Armenia to boost the local production, Abrahamyan noted that this issue should be discussed. "All issues should be discussed and all decisions should be taken following a detailed analysis and with due regard for expediency," he said.
On May 12, Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan spoke of the fight against corruption, obliging the law- enforcement departments engaged in the field to make regular reports on the process. In case of no progress, the human resources policy will be revised. He said the persons holding state positions and their relatives must not be allowed to participate in the state procurement and the program must be implemented on the government funds. He said all these measures are impossible unless there is sustainable and long-term economic growth that will allow creating new jobs and reducing social tension. The prime minister admitted that the government was not consistent enough in fighting monopolies. On February 12, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan also said that it is time to change a lot of things. Meanwhile, many partners of Armenia, including the EU and the US, have already stated that they are going to provide no financial assistance for combating corruption until they see specific and tangible results.