VARDAN KHACHATRIAN: IN CASE OF OVERCOMING CHALLENGES IN
ECONOMY, ARMENIA WILL HAVE STATUS OF MEDIUM-DEVELOPED EUROPEAN
COUNTRY IN 5-6 YEARS
15-11-2006 21:40:00 | Armenia | Economy
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, NOYAN TAPAN. The RA National Assembly
on November 15 completed the 1st stage of discussion of the 2007
draft state budget. In his summarizing speech, the RA Minister
of Finance and Economy Vardan Khachatrian said that "the
discussions had very little relation to the 2007 state budget."
In response to claims of some opposition deputies, the minister
assured that "this government can be accused of anything but
lack of programs", as the government has implemented many
approved programs for 7 years on end. At the same time, he did
not deny that there are problems in any sector, as well as the
implementation of a new program of reforms in economy is urgent.
"I we are able to overcome the challenges in the economy, at the
current economic development rate, we'll be among
medium-developed European countries in 5-6 years," the minister
stated, adding that it is up to the opponents to believe it or
not.
Although the government has not yet submitted to the
parliament the final version of the 2007 draft state budget
revised based on the proposals, the Justice faction has already
stated that it cannot support such a draft. In the words of the
faction's secretary Grigor Harutyunian, the state budget first
of all should be a program to ensure the development of the
economy, whereas the draft submitted by the governrmnt is a
consumer and survival budget. The Orintas Yerkir faction
explained its final position by the fact that the government has
accepted its proposals.