U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard M. Mills gave an exclusive interview to Radio Liberty, which caused wide resonance. In the opinion of MP Vahram Baghdasaryan, the Head of "Republican" (RPA) Faction of RA National Assembly, US Ambassador’s concern over corruption in Armenia is an interference in its internal affairs. In an interview to 1in.am Armenian news and analyses online Varuzhan Hoktanyan, Executive Director of Transparency International Anticorruption Center addressing the opinion of Vahram Baghdasaryan noted that US Envoy’s concern over corruption in Armenia, in particular regarding if not tackled corruption could seriously affect investment as well, is legitimate. Promoting investment climate that may help to establish serious trade and economic relations is among the functions of diplomatic missions.

The dynamics of investments in Armenia – reduction of investments - shows that corruption seriously affects investment climate. Real investments may not grow in a country where investments are made by many offshore companies. High level of corruption is among the reasons why investments are insufficient in our country. When assistance is rendered one should warn that it must not be wasted. The Ambassador’s remarks should make the Armenian Government arrive at a serious conclusion. To some extent it is a warning: corruption may affect investments.