US EMBASSY IN RA: TRAFFICKING PROBLEM IN ARMENIA REQUIRES RESOLVING

Arka News Agency, Armenia
Nov 3 2006

YEREVAN, November 1. /ARKA/. The problem of trafficking in Armenia
requires resolving, Anthony Godfry, Deputy Head of Mission, US
Embassy in Armenia, stated at his meeting with Chairperson of the
Standing Parliamentary Commission for Science, Education, Culture and
Youth Affairs Hranush Hakobyan. He pointed out that struggle against
trafficking has become one of the most important tasks of various
countries and international organizations.

Although the RA Government is ready to elaborate a new national
program of trafficking control, but no decisive steps have yet been
made because necessary funds have not been allocated form the state
budget. Godfry stated that the USA is concerned with the problem being
resolved, and if funds are allocated from Armenia’s state budget,
the USA and the UNDP are ready to render active financial assistance.

In her turn, Granush Hakobyan pointed out the necessity of eradicating
trafficking as a vicious phenomenon. "The national program of
trafficking control must be consistently implemented.

Armenia should accede to relevant international agreements,
harmonize its legislation and establish close ties with international
organizations," she said.

Hakobyan expressed her readiness to contribute to the resolution of
financial problems by applying to the RA Government.

The sides reached an arrangement about long-lasting cooperation
and activities for implementation of Armenia’s national program of
trafficking control. P.T. -0–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress