Minister denies reports that his deputy was relieved because of impending membership in customs union
04.06.2014,
14:39
Armenian economy minister Karen Chshmarityan has denied today media reports claiming that the dismissal of the first deputy economy minister Karine Minasyan, who coordinated Armenia’s intensive membership talks with the Russian-led Customs Union, had to do with the process of Armenia's accession to the bloc.
YEREVAN, June 4. / ARKA /. Armenian economy minister Karen Chshmarityan has denied today media reports claiming that the dismissal of the first deputy economy minister Karine Minasyan, who coordinated Armenia’s intensive membership talks with the Russian-led Customs Union, had to do with the process of Armenia's accession to the bloc.
Karine Minasyan was relieved of her post by prime minister Hovik Abrahamyan ‘in accordance with her own request”, Chshmarityan said.
Minasyan handled negotiations with Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan shortly after president Serzh Sarkisian decided to make Armenia part of their Customs Union last September. She also coordinated the implementation of Yerevan’s “roadmap” to joining the trade bloc.
Chshmarityan said today Karine Minasyan’s duties will be placed on other deputy economy ministers coordinating the process.
Chshmarityan also denied allegations that Minasyan chose to leave because of strained relations with her new boss saying he has good relations with Ms. Minasyan.
He said he did not know what kind of a new job Minasyan will get, adding that she is unlikely to take any in the ministry. -0-
