This year, 15,000 Armenians citizens lodged complains with RA President Serzh Sargsyan, with positive decisions made in 30% of cases, Head of the Control Service of the President of the Republic of Armenia Hovhannes Hovsepyan told reporters.

He reported that the Service has revealed numerous violations in various sectors. Specifically, the RA Ministry of Transport and Communication failed to prepare route plans. The gravest violation involves the Yerevan bus terminal, which was mortgaged at a bank for U.S. $600,000 allegedly for the purpose of new buses. However, the money was not paid to the bank, and it was not until the Armenian President issued an order that the Ministry paid half of the amount. The rest is to be paid soon. Experts estimate the Yerevan bus terminal at U.S. $5m.

The Service also revealed violations committed by the RA Ministry of Education and Science. In its turn, the RA Ministry of Urban Development deliberately inflated the prices for building materials. The Service revealed 100m AMD violations as a result of six inspections. Five officials were dismissed.

The Service also revealed violations committed by the State Property Department. Specifically, the Department registered goods at a price of 200m AMD lower than their real cost. A total of 250m AMD were not paid as income taxes. Also, 120m AMD (50% of the rest) was not collected. The Service also revealed 175m AMD violations.

The violations in civil aviation involved the licensing of airlines. In some cases, licenses were issued to entities that had no airliners at all. The Service also registered violations involving the servicing of airliners. Hovsepyan also said that most of the airlines registered in Armenia pay absurdly small taxes. He stated that the airlines that fail to meet legal requirements will be closed. Hovsepyan also reported violations in the work of the Expert Center of Armenia, which illegally reduced the customs tariffs for imported cars.

The RA Ministry of Labor and Social Security has problems in implementing a contract with the Alliance Company. Under the contract the company was to provide housing to alumni of orphanages, but was delaying the implementation. The Control Service took necessary measures, and the company provided 25 alumni with housing and returned 125m AMD to the state budget.

T.P.