“From now on we will not demand 200 drams from pensioners, as the upper circles do not demand from us either.” Armenian Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Artur Grigoryan made this extraordinary statement during his meeting with the dismissed pension service staffers January 27. He said that no such “collections” have been practiced since he was appointed.

Armenian News NEWS.am reminds readers that 265 servants of the Pension Fund of Armenia were dismissed November 4, 2010. They said they were notified of the decision in mid-December and accused the former head of the Pension Fund Vazgen Khachikyan. However, their dismissal was not documented and their further employment is problematic.

Minister Grigoryan promised that the problem will soon be resolved, and funds will be allocated from the Government’s reserve funds. As regards employment, the Ministry will see about certification.

Despite complaints, the protestors remained content with the Minister’s attitude.