President Sargsyan holds meeting with Cabinet members

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. President Serzh Sargsyan held a meeting with the Prime Minister and newly appointed Ministers on October 6 prior to the Cabinet meeting.

The President congratulated members of the Cabinet on their appointment and wished productive work, and then touched upon the issues which the new Cabinet is facing.

“As you know, we completed the process of forming the new Government in the defined period. On this occasion I congratulate all of you on your appointment to high ranking positions, more precisely on assuming high ranking public service and wish you success. Needless to remind you on the responsibility that you assume. Obviously, the number one issue of the Government is increasing the efficiency of management, and there is no lack of challenges in the world, the region and Armenia. Obviously, it is easier to develop and achieve high economic results when there is peace around you, when partner countries have economic growth, and it is a lot more difficult, when there are external negative signals, but you are obliged to do your best and achieve development. Of course it is necessary for us to remain competitive and increase the efficiency of our economy on a continuous basis. My belief is, and the global experience shows, that it is both possible and necessary to manage modest resources more rationally and achieve comparably better results. I think our society has the same expectations.

The potential of our economy and society lies in a better organized and targeted work. We initiated de facto systematic changes with the Constitutional reforms and in this context the present Government assumes the most serious role, which is, to become the locomotive of change, the moving force and the performer. The transition from a semi-presidential system to a parliamentary system changes not only the administration model, but first and foremost solves an issue of collective thinking and collective attitude. Perhaps people don’t completely understand the scale of changes that the Constitutional reforms and new administration system will bring to our reality . You are destined to become the leader of the transitional period, and I have faith in your strengths, I have faith that this Government will succeed in everything that all the previous Governments have failed. Of course, you won’t be alone in this work, all our state circles will operate harmoniously. I promise you this. You will be supported, assisted, encourages, we will move towards the same direction, but like I said, the moving force must be the Government.

Once again I congratulate all of you and wish success. The expectation which our people have today is linked with the success of this new Government. My call is - devote yourselves entirely. There are many difficulties in working relations, but be firm, asserted, and as we agreed – no getting upset or complaining. All of us have to understand, when we assume public service our private lives must shift to the background. I am sure that your family members and friends will understand this circumstance, don’t be afraid of those who will say as if you’ve become a minister and forgot about them. By devotion to your work, you double your attention towards your family and people. Be united. The Prime Minister is the leader of this team, and I am convinced all his possible critiques and comments will never be addressed to you personally; they will be aimed only for increasing efficiency of work. We, indeed have a lot to do and we will be asserted on this path. We have to move only forward. Look forward. In case of problems don’t try to find their roots in the past. That’s the easiest way. Always find paths of moving forward. This is the only way of victory, and I am sure that our united work will lead to success.

This is all I wanted to say. If there are any question, I’d be glad to answer”, the President said.

PM Karapetyan thanked President Serzh Sargsyan for confidence and assured that through daily work the Government will give a signal to citizens that they will move towards meeting expectations.

“On behalf of our team, I am thankful for the trust. I assure you that through daily work we will signal the citizens that we are moving towards meeting their expectations. With our program, we will note the steps which will be aimed at ensuring the security of our citizens, living in a fair environment, and having faith for tomorrow. We will maintain maximum feedback with the society, we will explain our activities, our goals, and we will listen to their expectations”, Karapetyan said.