Ara Nranyan: Armenia's budget for 2010 does not resolve current issuesDecember 12, 2009 - 19:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia's budget for 2010 does not resolve current issues, ARF Dashnaktsutyun MP, economist Ara Nranyan stated.As he noted in a conversation with PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, Armenian government chose the easiest way by resolving to retain budget expenditures on the same level. Major investments were attracted to that end, yet no structural changes were registered in Armenia's economy. Ara Nranyan joined in Dashnaktsutyun's criticism of governmental policy. ''Supporting imports instead of local manufacturers, low economy diversification level, attempts to develop economy thorough construction sphere only are the reasons for the negative external trade balance in Armenia." As the economist noted, Armenian Government is playing for time, waiting for other countries to overcome the crisis, which, in its turn, will positively affect Armenian economy. "Still, Armenia faces major structural problems, which, unless resolved, will prevent the economy from going back to the pre-crisis level." 2010 state budget was ratified at Armenia's National Assembly by the majority of voices, though voted against by ARF Dashnaktsutyun and Heritage parties. Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive” At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments. OSCE vows support for Armenia “in all three directions of security” Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. 151 detained as civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan Citizens have been blocking streets in the Armenian capital, demanding Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation. France welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in Almaty France has welcomed the new round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. |