Sargsyan Tells Customs Officials to End Corruption

Asbarez reports that the new president, Serge Sargsyan, has told customs officials to stop showing preferential treatment to large usually government-connected businessmen and to stop corrupt practices. The move comes after the dismissal of the notorious former head of the notorious government department, Armen Avetisyan.

“In our country, the only way to solve social issues in through revenues generated from taxes and customs. Therefore, we must move along the path of internal cleansing and raise the level of the services provided. The customs system should contribute to the development of business and improvement of the business environment,” said the president.

“We all must live in a normal country, where it will be possible to do business without any obstacles. All studies show that first of all, the small and medium-sized businesses face problems. No big entrepreneur in Armenia has problems, especially connected with the custom system. We must get the hint. No one should be privileged. Equal conditions must be created for everyone. This is your primary task,” Sarkisian told the Customs Department.

Until there are signs that some change does occurs as a result, few will take the call seriously although one can only hope that the president was genuine. If so, it’s a very promising sign. Thanks to Allen for posting the link on The Caucasus Knot Facebook page.