Aren Mkrtchyan Speaks on Corruption in the Middle Tiers

According to the "Hraparak" newspaper, when asked how the Citizen's Day will be celebrated, one of the MPs said, "We will have a carnival," and we asked Aren Mkrtchyan, former advisor to the Prime Minister on corruption issues and current MP. He replied, "Honestly, I don't know how we will celebrate it." He was then asked whether the results of the revolution are so significant that they should be celebrated, or if it would be better to leave it for a later assessment, noting that there are unfulfilled promises, that there is no corruption, but there are corruption 'scandals' at the PVA and in healthcare. Do you believe that there is no corruption?

"Yes, there is no systemic corruption at the level of the highest echelons of power; there is no involvement of high-ranking officials in corruption mechanisms. Your references concern the middle tiers. Investigations are ongoing regarding the PVA and others, and I will not answer any questions in this regard." When asked about other cases currently under investigation and being reported, is this not a double standard, for example, with David Sanasaryan regarding YSU and Aram Simonyan, or the head of the Investigation Committee concerning Kocharian? He said, "Ask those who are raising these issues; I have never raised them myself." Who is replacing you, as your 'holy' place seems to be empty? He stated, "The place was not holy; it was just an ordinary working post related to corruption issues. Yes, today there is no replacement."

For more details, refer to the newspaper's current issue.