Arminfo
2007-02-22 19:55:00

Minister of Social Security: poverty still is Armenia’s key problem

A 2-day workshop on modern system of joint planning and evaluation of
programs to generate revenues in Central Asian states and Caucasus
launched in Yerevan today. Aghvan Vardanyan, The Minister of Trade and
Social Security of Armenia, and UNESCAP (United Nations Economic and
social development in Asia and the Pacific) participate in the event.

A. Vardanyan said that poverty is the key problem in Armenia as well
as other states of the region â?? although, serious programs
in this field have been implemented. He pointed out that the strategic
poverty reduction program that set out in Armenia 4 years ago – is
being revised. "Armenia has furthered in some aspects of the program –
that is why it needs revision. We already have early results – we
expecting them much later," the Minister said.

He added that the national programs are aimed at poverty reduction and
are grounded on regional development program. All areas should be
considered here: agriculture, ecology, education and culture. The
objective of the workshop is to imply experience of the developed
states, stimulate employment of the population. The state should
provide work to those who really need it. "Our neighbors can implement
our program of payments for social work that provides at least
temporary work to the unemployed," he said.

Arman Kirakosyan, Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia, said that the
key aim of the workshop is poverty reduction. He hopes that UNESCAP
would continue its role for the stable development of states in the
Central Asia as it will "improve social conditions of Armenia and
would overcome consequences of natural disasters," A. Kirakosyan said.