QUESTION: A couple of days ago, US State Department published the annual Anti- terrorism report, which includes some critical provisions on Armenia. What is Armenia’s stance on this issue?

ANSWER: First, I would like to say that the criticism included in the report is a concern for Armenia.

The anti-corruption struggle is a problem which needs continuous and consistent work. As you know, a few years ago, a national anti-corruption strategy has been elaborated and put into implementation, some provisions of which are being revised.

One of the core topics  President Sargsyan’s pre-electoral program was anti-corruption struggle, thus, Armenia’s government is determined to struggle against this vicious phenomenon.

We joined a number of international documents: the UN anti-corruption convention (came into force on 7 April 2007), a number of documents in the framework of Council of Europe, which are aimed at struggling with corruption and controlling the process. Armenia will continue its uncompromising struggle with corruption.

As to the issue of Armenia-Iran relations included in the report, Armenia considers Iran a friendly country where a historically formed Diaspora exists. Our relations with Iran, which are not targeted against any country, are characterized by bilateral cooperation which, I believe, is natural for neighboring countries. Armenia is willing to establish such kind of relations with all its neighbors.