In an interview to "Aravot" daily Varuzhan Hoktanyan, Executive Director of Transparency International Anti-corruption Center (TIAC) reflected on the reply to TIAC application addressed to Ethics Commission for High Ranking Officials for checking allegation on Government-affiliated State Revenue Committee Head Gagik Khachatryans engagement in entrepreneurial activities or conflict of interest situation in fulfilling his official duties as government office holder.

"Aravot" mentioned that Ethics Commission for High Ranking Officials made a decision in favor of Gagik Khachatryan, the Head of State Revenue Committee. According to the decision, the study of the allegation presented in the application does not give sufficient ground for the Commission to conclude that the Head of State Revenue Committee Gagik Khachatryan was in conflict of interest situation regarding the mentioned companies.

In reply to "Aravot" dailys question if the the Commission made a just decision, Varuzhan Hoktanyan answered, "If we judge following the letter of the law I cannot say that the Commission made a wrong decision. Nevertheless, on the one hand, the law must be improved and on the other hand, a culture must be developed."

"It is also important to examine the question from the following standpoint - if Gagik Khachatryan were not the Head of State Revenue Committee should his sons or cousins have had the businesses and whether they are at certain advantage and more favorable conditions than other economic agents of the same area.

Another issue is also of concern - whether or not Gagik Khachatryan is engaged in business. Formally, it is clear from the decision that he is not, but as for reality, it is very difficult to clarify. As the President of Armenia had once told, our high-ranking officials had learnt to have proper documentation. Therefore, our problem is to try to understand how high ranking officials non formal engagement in business affect the existence of discriminatory environment."

In this respect, Varuzhan Hoktanyan attached importance the fact that according to point 2 of the Commission decision, the Commission recommends to introduce a procedure by which before holding a certain position the potential official notify if he/she has first or second degree kinship relations possessing businesses and if there is a risk on conflict of interest.

See the full article in Armenian on "Aravot" website.