CORRUPTION TO BECOME A TABOO FOR ARMENIA

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
21.07.2009 17:27 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ It’s an open secret that corruption in Armenia
(and not only in Armenia) is a widespread phenomenon, AIPRG Executive
Board member and CRRS Director Heghine Manasyan told journalists
Tuesday, during the presentation devoted to the problem of corruption
in Armenia. It is mostly developed counties (Australia, Canada and
Scandinavian states) that have low level corruption, whereas in post
Soviet countries the problem has rather deep roots, the speaker
finds. "The most perplexing factor is that our society perceives
corruption as an inseparable part of our everyday life, and does not
therefore express willingness to combat the problem," she noted.

A recent survey reveals that 86% of population considers corruption a
very serious problem, says the report issued by Caucasus Centre. In
the meantime, corruption level in Armenia has decreased since
2006. Manasyan says. "Contributing factors are the publication of and
access to any kind of material concerning recent years’ studies. As
shown by comparison between 2006 and 2008, there is certain decrease
of corruptive practices in all spheres with the exception of law
enforcement bodies. The level of corruption is perceived commonly
in the sphere of healthcare (61% of respondents), education (58%),
electoral system (66%), custom services and road police (66%)."

Besides, public awareness of the problem has been raised. Each 5th
citizen in 2008 was aware of the government’s anti-corruption programs
in comparison with the 1/3 part of society recorded in 2006.

The survey, according to Manasyan, was conducted among 1549 adults
from all regions of Armenia. The range of questions in survey
forms varied broadly. There questions concerning possible methods
of combating corruption or respondents’ personal experience in the
sphere (if any), Director said. "Respondents were also required to
answer the question concerning the amount of bribe they might have
offered within the past 12-month period," she noted. The survey was
conducted in September-October 2008. But there are no exact data on
the sums offered, as there are very few people who confessed to being
engaged in corruptive practices.

Georgia is one of Caucasian countries that seems to have overcome the
obvious manifestations of corruption, Manasyan said. "The general
opinion is that the country has made more serious progress in
comparison with Armenia," she noted.

The survey aims to raise awareness in public and private sectors. "The
more we speak about corruption, the more it will become a priority
problem. People will start to realize the importance of joining efforts
to combat it. Corruption is a taboo that should be constantly touched
upon," she said.