Armenian nature protection minister indicates his possible resignation
22.08.2017,
17:49
Armenia’s nature protection minister Artsvik Minasyan indicated today that he may resign soon because of a massive wildfire in the Khosrov Reserve that has destroyed hundreds of hectares of forests and vegetation. I
YEREVAN, August 22. /ARKA/. Armenia’s nature protection minister Artsvik Minasyan indicated today that he may resign soon because of a massive wildfire in the Khosrov Reserve that has destroyed hundreds of hectares of forests and vegetation. In an online press conference with the Armenian Service of RFE/RL Minasyan said the post of minister is a political position, and therefore a resignation or a decision to resign is a political process.
The minister said the position was given to him as a result of power-sharing agreement the ruling Republican Party of Armenia had signed with his Armenian Revolutionary Federation/Dashnaktsutyun (ARF) suggesting that all-related statements should be viewed in this context. "As for me, I would not like to resign for two reasons: firstly, there was no action or inaction on my part, which could serve as the reason, and secondly, I am determined to implement the reforms in the sector in order to further minimize or exclude the recurrence of such disasters," Minasyan said.
The minister also commented on allegedly tense relations between him and prime minister Karen Karapetyan, manifested in periodic disputes during government meetings. Minasyan, in particular, stressed that ARF has three ministers in the government who can express their own views on all issues.
"There are no differences between us. We have normal relations with the prime minister based on mutual respect. He coordinates the activities of the ministers and is responsible for the policy of the whole government. Work disputes are normal and it would be wrong if they did not exist,’ Minasyan said. "I believe that this kind of healthy atmosphere should be encouraged, as the best solution can be found only in a healthy dispute," Minasyan said. -0-
The minister said the position was given to him as a result of power-sharing agreement the ruling Republican Party of Armenia had signed with his Armenian Revolutionary Federation/Dashnaktsutyun (ARF) suggesting that all-related statements should be viewed in this context. "As for me, I would not like to resign for two reasons: firstly, there was no action or inaction on my part, which could serve as the reason, and secondly, I am determined to implement the reforms in the sector in order to further minimize or exclude the recurrence of such disasters," Minasyan said.
The minister also commented on allegedly tense relations between him and prime minister Karen Karapetyan, manifested in periodic disputes during government meetings. Minasyan, in particular, stressed that ARF has three ministers in the government who can express their own views on all issues.
"There are no differences between us. We have normal relations with the prime minister based on mutual respect. He coordinates the activities of the ministers and is responsible for the policy of the whole government. Work disputes are normal and it would be wrong if they did not exist,’ Minasyan said. "I believe that this kind of healthy atmosphere should be encouraged, as the best solution can be found only in a healthy dispute," Minasyan said. -0-
