YEREVAN. – The Government of Armenia has declared war against corruption and monopolies in the country, according to 168 Zham daily.

“At first glance, it seems that most of the problems of Armenia are social and economic (…). But the much more serious, underlying problems of Armenia are neither economic nor social.

“In reality, the key problems of Armenia are in the realm of foreign policy.

“Monopoly. Yes, this is the major problem that depletes the economy of Armenia, [and] from which corruption also derives (…).

“Russia has exactly the kind of [monopolistic] effect in the foreign policy of Armenia as [Armenian oligarch MP] Samvel Aleksanyan—on the sugar market [in Armenia]. 

“Aside from Russia, Armenia interacts with the other countries of the world [just] as a formality.

“It is Russia that gets ‘superprofits’ from the monopolistic influence it has on Armenia.

“Corruption deals derive from the monopoly of Russia. 

“The biggest manifestation of corruption deriving from interstate monopoly is the reproduction of Armenia’s powers that be.

“Armenia needs competition as soon as possible. (…) But, first of all, in foreign policy,” wrote 168 Zham.