VIDEO: It is Offensive That an Official Took a $5000 Bribe to Support Title Acquisition, Says Prime Minister about Vermishyan

“On the one hand, it is a sad, offensive event; on the other hand, a joyful one,” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan began the government’s routine meeting on February 6 by discussing the case of Vahagn Vermishyan, the Chairman of the Urban Development Committee, who was arrested on charges of bribery.

“It is sad because an official acting on behalf of the people of the Republic of Armenia can extend their hand for a dirty deal under the Armenian flag and coat of arms. It is offensive that an official acting under the Armenian flag and coat of arms could accept a $5000 bribe to assist in obtaining the title of ‘Honored Builder’ granted by the Prime Minister and present a recommendation to the Prime Minister for that individual to receive the title. This is a personal insult to me, to the people of the Republic of Armenia, and to the values of the non-violent, velvet revolution that took place in Armenia in 2018,” the Prime Minister stated, expressing his opinion that individuals causing such offenses should be subjected to the strictest responsibility.

The Prime Minister also commented on why this event is joyful. It is joyful in the sense that if there is someone in Armenia who doubted the determination to root out corruption, they will understand that things are much more serious than they can imagine. “If there are people who doubt my determination, we will definitely follow those individuals,” the Prime Minister emphasized.