YEREVAN. – The Special Investigative Service (SIS) of Armenia is investigating cases involving senior officials, and this body is an independent body in its nature and also in its legislation. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced this today during his speech dedicated to the Special Investigation Service Officers’ Day.

"But, nonetheless, it should be noted that the political context and atmosphere existing in the country are very important for the functioning of this body," Pashinyan added. “Institutional independence does not in itself mean environmental independence, independence of the atmosphere. (...) it’s not possible to build a law, to build justice and independence in a separate body."

He expressed conviction that the best possible conditions have been created throughout the history of the third Armenian republic for the SIS activities and the investigation of the crimes committed by officials.

"We have adopted a strategy of fighting corruption, we have adopted a strategy of judicial reform," the prime minister said. “But the proper investigation of possible misuse by former and current officials should be a very visible, a visible ‘beacon’ and a ‘flag’ for the seriousness of our intentions because (…) it is very important that the citizens of the Republic of Armenia and the international community see that these statements are followed by actions both in terms of institutional reforms, as well as in terms of proper investigation of announcements of misuse."