Armenia has developed a new legislative package, within the frameworks of which there will be created an independent anti-corruption body, said the Armenian prime-minister Karen Karapetyan at the meeting with the EC delegation head Peter Switalski.

As the Armenian government’s press service informed Armenian News - NEWS.am, at the meeting the sides discussed issues of cooperation in the fight against corruption. Karapetyan presented the steps taken by the Government, in particular, legislative reforms, decisions, and the work implemented within the frameworks of the Council on the fight against corruption.

As for the upcoming works, the head of the Armenian government presented the development of a new legislative package, within the frameworks of which an independent preventive anti-corruption body will be created. The package has completely revised the current income declaration system. The government also takes steps to improve the quality of the investigation of corruption offenses. At the same time, there are being developed a number of important legislative projects, aimed at reducing corruption risks in all the areas, based on discussions about the fight against corruption in the Council.

The Armenian Prime Minister also noted, that the effectiveness and success of the measures to combat corruption also depends on the position of the civil society, since the work of the government will focus to activate their feedback. He also said, that the government is open to suggestions, and stressed the importance of cooperation with EU partners.

In his turn, the Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia Peter Switalski welcomed the efforts of the Government in the fight against corruption.  He also noted, that the EU delegation in Armenia is ready to continue cooperation with the Government based on the logic of the priorities and anti-corruption reforms pinpointed by the minister. The two sides also exchanged views on the possibilities of joint programs within the framework of the Centre for Strategic Initiatives.