make preferableYEREVAN.- Civil society is getting stronger and more effective in Armenia, US Ambassador said.
John Heffern addressed civil society’s advocacy role in his traditional video blog statement.
“Civic engagement is vital to a healthy democracy. Civil society and NGOs do important work in many fields. According to a recent USAID assessment, civil society in Armenia is the second strongest anywhere among the republics of former USSR,” he said.
He pointed out several effective grassroots campaigns promoting positive change, among them Trchkan waterfall imitative, active involvement on Yerevan’s historic cover market, Mashtots park and protest actions on Harsnaqar Restaurant incident.
“However, there is more to be done. One obstacles for Amrenia’s civil society is legal restriction on these organizations [NGOs]charging a fee for their services which would make them more self-sustaining,” Ambassador said.
In the U.S. the non-governmental organizations are able to charge a fee for their services on non-profit making basis, he added.
Ambassador Heffern welcomed courageous Armenians who are working every day to bring positive change here.
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