By Vestnik Kavkaza
The Armenian media pays attention to the Riga summit of the Eastern Partnership, on which the country connected its hopes; the process of constitutional reforms, and the upcoming increase in electricity power prices. Moreover, the Armenian press reports on an attempt on the life of the governor of the Syunik Region, Surik Khachatryan, and a possible amnesty.
Zhamanak reports: “As the date of the Riga summit of the Eastern Partnership is approaching, questions on what expectations Armenia can have in the context of reconstruction of Armenian-EU relations are becoming more intensive. It seems discussions of the serious necessity of reconstruction of Armenian-EU relations have become excessive in Armenia.”
168 Zham points out the fact that the European Commission has approved negotiations between Armenia and the EU over a framework agreement. “The framework agreement could smooth the difficult economic situation which appeared in Armenia due to its membership of the Eurasian Economic Union; and of course it would have political consequences. We only can hope that there will be no second ‘September 3rd’ in this process with the EU,” the newspaper reports.
Zhamanak notes: “We cannot expect that negotiations on liberalization of the visa regime will be started soon and be effective, but the summit will certainly leave a stamp on public attitudes and mentality. From this point of view, the Riga summit which has been rather standard has every chance of becoming significant in Armenia’s history.”
“The referendum on constitutional reforms was shifted from spring 2016 to autumn 2015. At least, so it is stated by well-informed people who participate in the process of constitutional reforms,” Aykakan Zhamanak reports.
“A text of reforms should be presented to the National Assembly in early autumn. Even though participants of the process point out that decisions on key issues have already been made, some forces think that there will be a second variant of changes; even though the head of the professional commission rejected this option last week,” the newspaper reports.
Aravot’s editor-in-chief writes: “The authorities presented by 'an independent commission' say that the Electricity Power Networks of Armenia are operating at a deficit; and consumers, common citizens should be blamed for this, as we pay too small a price. However, we, consumers, believe that the managers of the company, starting from the head of the office, have too luxurious lives, that’s why the company has such great debts. MPs have to check our suggestions, as the state, i.e. we, the taxpayers, have turned into the guarantors of the commercial risks of the company."
“Even though they say that an increase of electric power prices depends on one structure only – the Commission for Regulation of Public Services – our sources state that a political decision on increasing the prices to 50-52 drams has already been made,” Graparak reports.
Moreover, apparently the Electricity Power Networks of Armenia won’t be resold. It may be found bankrupt, depending on the agenda of the political talks between Russia and Armenia and on whether Russia will approve the constitutional reforms or will play some behind-the-scene games,” the newspaper writes.
Concerning news on an attempt on the life of the governor of the Syunik Region of Armenia, Surik Khachatryan, Zhamanak reports: “The point is not about the shots, whether they are real or not, but in the fact that one day society won’t be surprised and indignant about such things. Probably the day has already come.”
Graparak reports on the same topic: “Of course the lynch-law (if it is proved) is an improper deed. But law-enforcement agencies should know that when the law doesn’t operate, unwritten laws start operating, which contain elements of anarchy, subjectivism, amorality of society, and which are dangerous. In the end, humanity has come to establishing courts and policy to conduct a legal struggle against criminals, rather than use budget resources and suppress social protests.”
The Prime Minister of Armenia, Ovik Abramyan, made an interesting statement at a governmental session. Citing a medium-term program, he said that economic growth of 1% is to be expected in 2015. However, he added: “I am sure that economic growth will be 2-3%,” Zhokhovurd reports. “Thus, according to official forecasts and the personal view of Ovik Abramyan, economic growth this year will be no less than 4.1%, which is required by the Law on the State Budget 2015.”
Talks about upcoming wide-scale staff and structural shifts in the country have become intensive, according to Chorrord Ishkhanutyun. “The talks are grounded on a direct and indirect struggle between various groups in power, as well as on independent circumstances and demands of international structures. For example, information on serious structural changes in the Ministry of Economy of Armenia is spreading actively – about a shift of some duties and functions to other ministries and departments. This is connected with the ineffective activity of the ministry and its head, Karen Chshmarityan; Premier Ovik Abramyan has many times expressed his dissatisfaction over this,” the newspaper notes.
“It seems the problem of an amnesty is again topical on the agenda. There is information that the authorities decided to declare an amnesty on May 28th; but it was ordered not to spread information about this,” Graparak reports.
Earlier, a source of the newspaper reported that the issue wasn’t being discussed at the moment, as the previous amnesty was declared in 2013 due to the 22nd anniversary of independence of Armenia. And it hasn't been too long since that time. “There was great hype about the amnesty; while an amnesty should be unexpected,” the source told the newspaper. It should be noted that it was planned to declare an amnesty before April 24th, but the arrest of representatives of Founding Parliament ruined the plans,” the newspaper writes.
