FORUM SYNOPSIS:
FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION (June 2006)

On June 7, the Depi Hayk Forum Series guest was Ms. Amalya Kostanyan, Director of the Center for Regional Development/Transparency International. Ms. Kostanyan has been closely involved in promoting effective public policy and good governance in order to prevent corruption and strengthen democracy in Armenia . As such, Depi Hayk invited her to present the issue of corruption in Armenia and steps being taken to counter the phenomenon.

The main activities of the Center for Regional Development/Transparency International are aimed at fostering transparency, accountability and participation; promoting an environment conducive to political, economic and social reforms; assisting in cross-boundary cooperation directed to confidence-building and regional integration.

While representing the current situation in Armenia , Ms. Kostanyan divided corruption into two levels- high level and low level. The low level includes all fields of social services such as school, medical services, law enforcement, etc. High level corruption involves officials in the highest levels of government.

According to Ms. Kostanyan the most dangerous type of corruption happens during elections. This phenomenon is very dangerous since it involves large segments of the population. "What is the main reason for this situation? Maybe politically or culturally we are not able to ensure social justice," Ms. Kostanyan told volunteers.

It is worth mentioning that this topic always causes heated discussions during our forums and this time was not an exception. One volunteer expressed an opinion that the difference between corruption in Armenia and in more developed countries of the West is not that big as it is being represented. According to him the difference is not in the quantity but in "quality" of corruption.

Ms. Kostanyan disagreed with this point of view and stated that she wouldn't like to compare Armenia with countries that have the social welfare structures that attenuate the effects of corruption on the lower classes of society. She also noted that Armenia should not be compared with countries in worse and in better socio-economic situations.

In conclusion, Ms. Kostanyan presented several TV public service announcements that her organization has prepared about corruption.