There are a number of publications in the media about the tensed relations between the Minister of Nature Protection, Artsvik Minasyan, and the Prime Minister, Karen Karapetyan. Aravot.am asked Artsvik Minasyan whether it was true that their relations were in tension to the extent that the PM did not communicate with him even beyond the official meetings, he did not greet him. Artsvik Minasyan replied: “I am surprised on how the media representatives find information from suchlike “reliable sources”. I think it is at least not decent when the relations are represented in such a way – they speak of greeting or not and even attribute things to me which do not have any connection to the reality. I think time will give answers to all questions. As the Minister of Nature Protection, the implementation of the policy on nature protection through all possible discussions is extremely important for me, to be able to come to the best solution and make the best decision. I have told for a number of times that a silent policy cannot give a result and if different overviews are in place relative to certain issues, which are taken into consideration while making decisions, it speaks of the effective work.”
Artsvik Minasyan mentioned that the constitutional legislations of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia are to coordinate the work of the ministers and to give orders on certain issues.
To the question – in this case you are a minister by the agreement of the coalition and it keeps you in a more privileged status, whether the ARF-RPA coalition cooperation hinders Karen Karapetyan from getting rid of you as a minister, Artsvik Minasyan replied: “I think, there is no issue of a privileged status present. It is right that the President of the Republic has appointed me based on the nomination of the party, and pursuant to the constitutional norm in force, by the proposal of the PM, but I do not think your question is a topic for public discussion, forasmuch as one of the peculiarities of the coalition is that any issue is solved in the result or by means of respective discussions. Consequently, it is better for the ones spreading such news, if they are concerned indeed, to help us to improve the policy of nature protection to the better, to provide qualitative growth and to struggle against illegalities.”
We asked, whether it was easy for him to work with Karen Karapetyan, whether the cooperation succeeded, how much flexible their relations were, the Minister answered: “Well, at least no such issue or question was in place, where we met sharp barriers.”
We asked whether the information constituting that he had also publicly announced on contradicting to Karen Karapetyan sharply within his narrow circles did not correspond to the reality, Artsvik Minasyan responded: “There is no such thing: the ones who know me, know that I am principled and in favor of keeping the subordination. My adherence to principles is expressed through bringing the beliefs and constitutional norms into force. Our objective is to bring the norms protected during Constitutional changes to life.”
Hripsime JEBEJYAN
