SECOND STAGE OF JUDICIAL REFORMS UNDERWAY

ARMENPRESS
Oct 25, 2007

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, ARMENPRESS: The government of Armenia has launched
the second stage of judicial reforms. Arthur Tunyan, head of an office
in charge of implementing the reform said the government has a $22.5
million credit from the World Bank and a $3 million grant from the
government of Japan to fulfill the program.

He said the government’s contribution to each of the program’s project
will 22 percent of the total cost, but according to Tunyan, the entire
project does not enjoy any tax privileges.

Tunyan said the government negotiated with the counterparts in Holland
a 4 million euro grant and if it comes the entire budget will rise
to $39 million.

The second stage was officially started last summer. When it ends
in 5.5 years there will be no un-repaired courthouse across the
country. As part of the first stage of the reforms many courthouses
in Yerevan and outside it were repaired and brought as close to
international standards as possible.

Tunyan said part of the budget will be spent to bolster new judicial
institutions- the Judicial Department, the Council of Justice, the
Institution of Court Bailiffs and so on.

He said a special attention will be given to raising the people’s
awareness of the judiciary.

Special terminals will be installed in courthouses for all people to
obtain any information they need.