Corruption to become a taboo for ArmeniaJuly 21, 2009 - 18:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - It's an open secret that corruption in Armenia (and not only in Armenia) is a widespread phenomenon, AIPRG Executive Board member and CRRS Director Heghine Manasyan told journalists Tuesday, during the presentation devoted to the problem of corruption in Armenia. It is mostly developed counties (Australia, Canada and Scandinavian states) that have low level corruption, whereas in post Soviet countries the problem has rather deep roots, the speaker finds. "The most perplexing factor is that our society perceives corruption as an inseparable part of our everyday life, and does not therefore express willingness to combat the problem," she noted. A recent survey reveals that 86% of population considers corruption a very serious problem, says the report issued by Caucasus Centre. In the meantime, corruption level in Armenia has decreased since 2006. Manasyan says. "Contributing factors are the publication of and access to any kind of material concerning recent years' studies. As shown by comparison between 2006 and 2008, there is certain decrease of corruptive practices in all spheres with the exception of law enforcement bodies. The level of corruption is perceived commonly in the sphere of healthcare (61% of respondents), education (58%), electoral system (66%), custom services and road police (66%)." Besides, public awareness of the problem has been raised. Each 5th citizen in 2008 was aware of the government's anti-corruption programs in comparison with the 1/3 part of society recorded in 2006. The survey, according to Manasyan, was conducted among 1549 adults from all regions of Armenia. The range of questions in survey forms varied broadly. There questions concerning possible methods of combating corruption or respondents' personal experience in the sphere (if any), Director said. "Respondents were also required to answer the question concerning the amount of bribe they might have offered within the past 12-month period," she noted. The survey was conducted in September-October 2008. But there are no exact data on the sums offered, as there are very few people who confessed to being engaged in corruptive practices. Georgia is one of Caucasian countries that seems to have overcome the obvious manifestations of corruption, Manasyan said. "The general opinion is that the country has made more serious progress in comparison with Armenia," she noted. The survey aims to raise awareness in public and private sectors. "The more we speak about corruption, the more it will become a priority problem. People will start to realize the importance of joining efforts to combat it. Corruption is a taboo that should be constantly touched upon," she said. Top stories The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. The situation on the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan was relatively stable overnight, the Defense Army says. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has visited the southern Armenian province of Syunik, the Defense Ministry reported on March 18. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Azerbaijan must respect human rights, Scholz tells Aliyev German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for greater respect for human rights in Azerbaijan. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |