Armenian PM : protesters in Yerevan seek to establish social justice
25.07.2013,
14:48
Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan thinks that the activists who are protesting against the increase of Yerevan public transport fares seek to establish social justice and solidarity.
YEREVAN, July 25./ARKA/. Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan thinks that the activists who are protesting against the increase of Yerevan public transport fares seek to establish social justice and solidarity.
“The movement Yerevan is witnessing these days is spontaneous, it is not coordinated by political parties. Of course, some parties are already trying to take a chance, however the genuine reason for this movement is an intention to establish social justice and solidarity, and we understand that pretty well. A very strong civil society is forming in Armenia at present, and we should not ignore it while making decisions,” PM said at Thursday government session.
He noted the government prioritizes independence of local administrations, which is one of the main principles of democracy.
“Of course, the City Hall is in charge of regulating transport fares, but the government is obliged to keep this issue in the limelight,” Sargsyan said and ordered to invite the civil structures to discussions from now on prior to making decisions.
“Of course, this practice is not satisfactory yet since we usually have discussions with a limited number of civil organizations which represent the interests of just few people. We must organize bigger hearings and discussions and invite more structures. There is a need to fill this gap legislatively,” he said.
Sargsyan also underscored that the government and he personally had been monitoring the situation carefully.
Starting from 20 July, Yerevan residents will have to pay 150 drams (36.5 cents) for bus and minibus tickets instead of current 100 drams (24.4 cents). The trolleybus fair will be 100 drams instead of current 50 drams, and metro fares are not subject to change (100 drams).
This raised a wave of discontent among the residents of the capital, who have been protesting against the hikes. The main motto of the protesters is “Won’t pay 150 drams.” Another campaign is called Free Car. Famous showmen, politicians and journalists give a ride to Yerevan residents for free.
The day before, ombudsman of Armenia Karen Andreasyan has sent a message to Yerevan Mayor Taron Margarayan asking him to clarify the issues related to public transport fare increase. He also said that increase in public transport fares is possible only by the city mayor’s decision and asked Margaryan to answer is it true that he signed this decision and whether he made it public or not. Otherwise, the decision is not valid. —0-
“The movement Yerevan is witnessing these days is spontaneous, it is not coordinated by political parties. Of course, some parties are already trying to take a chance, however the genuine reason for this movement is an intention to establish social justice and solidarity, and we understand that pretty well. A very strong civil society is forming in Armenia at present, and we should not ignore it while making decisions,” PM said at Thursday government session.
He noted the government prioritizes independence of local administrations, which is one of the main principles of democracy.
“Of course, the City Hall is in charge of regulating transport fares, but the government is obliged to keep this issue in the limelight,” Sargsyan said and ordered to invite the civil structures to discussions from now on prior to making decisions.
“Of course, this practice is not satisfactory yet since we usually have discussions with a limited number of civil organizations which represent the interests of just few people. We must organize bigger hearings and discussions and invite more structures. There is a need to fill this gap legislatively,” he said.
Sargsyan also underscored that the government and he personally had been monitoring the situation carefully.
Starting from 20 July, Yerevan residents will have to pay 150 drams (36.5 cents) for bus and minibus tickets instead of current 100 drams (24.4 cents). The trolleybus fair will be 100 drams instead of current 50 drams, and metro fares are not subject to change (100 drams).
This raised a wave of discontent among the residents of the capital, who have been protesting against the hikes. The main motto of the protesters is “Won’t pay 150 drams.” Another campaign is called Free Car. Famous showmen, politicians and journalists give a ride to Yerevan residents for free.
The day before, ombudsman of Armenia Karen Andreasyan has sent a message to Yerevan Mayor Taron Margarayan asking him to clarify the issues related to public transport fare increase. He also said that increase in public transport fares is possible only by the city mayor’s decision and asked Margaryan to answer is it true that he signed this decision and whether he made it public or not. Otherwise, the decision is not valid. —0-
