New urban development minister promises to work more transparently

YEREVAN, June 18. /ARKA/. The newly appointed urban development minister Samvel Tadevosyan was introduced today to the ministry staff by prime minister Tigran Sargsyan. He promised to carry out the tasks assigned to the ministry in a more effective way and more transparently. Tigran Sargsyan described the new minister as an experienced specialist, who held various management positions saying also his knowledge meets the requirements that a minister must comply with. He than thanked former minister Vardan Vardanyan.

"I appreciate very highly Mr. Vardanian as a specialist, and as a minister and as a partner. We have gone with him through severe tests, and his worthy conduct in all circumstances characterizes him as a true man", he said.

The prime minister said some $250 million worth construction was implemented in Armenia’s northern parts in the last five years that were damaged by 1988 earthquake. As a result 6000 families will receive new homes

Sargsyan said that the ministry now faces new challenges, in particular, the introduction of the best standards in the construction industry and a significant strengthening of urban surveillance. 

Under the power-sharing agreement signed with Orinats Yerkir the latter received three portfolios of minister of agriculture – Sergo Karapetyan was reappointed to his post, Samvel Tadevosyan was appointed urban planning minister and Armen Yeritsian was reappointed as emergencies minister.

The remaining portfolios are held by members of the Republican Party. Earlier on June 4 the president reappointed defense minister Seyran Ohanian and foreign minister Edward Nalbandian.

The Republican Party won a landslide victory in the May 6 election with 44.02% of the vote. In the new parliament it controls 69 seats out of 131. The Prosperous Armenia of businessman Gagik Tsarukian won 30.12% and controls 37 seats, the opposition Armenian National Congress won 7.08% and has 7 seats. Zharangutyun (Heritage), the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and Orinats Yerkir (Country of Law) won over 5% just enough to overcome the threshold. They control from 5 to 6 seats each. -0-