Transparency International Anticorruption Center applied to Ethics Commission for High Ranking Officials on April 4, 2014 with a request to initiate proceedings and examine the issue of violation of the rules of ethics by Aram Harutyunyan during his tenure as Minister of Nature Protection. The Commission rejected TIAC application and initiated proceedings on the same issue on its own initiative on April 25, 2014. As a result of the proceedings the Commission confirmed the conclusion on violation of the rules of ethics by Aram Harutyunyan by its decision made on May 23, 2014. It also suggested that the conclusion be posted on the website of RA Ministry of Nature Protection and be sent to RA President and RA Prime Minister as the Ministry’s superiors.

It should be reminded that, as it was posted on TIAC website, an incident happened on March 25-26 during International Conference “Responsible Mining in Armenia: Challenges and Opportunities” between eco-activists and Aram Harutyunyan, Minister of Nature Protection. By defining mining as “irresponsible” in Armenia, eco-activists staged a protest action in the conference hall, thus expressing their discontent with mining in Armenia and its inefficient control by RA Ministry of Nature Protection. In reply to the opinions voiced by the participants in the action, the Minister threatened a participant in the action, “Know your place! I’ll cut your ears and put them in your hand, bastard.”

Pursuant to RA Law on Public Service, as well as rules of ethics for public servants and high-ranking officials, among other things, a public servant or high-ranking official shall stipulate respecting and observing the law; contribute by his/her actions to developing trust in and respect for the office he/she holds and the body he/she represents; manifest conduct befitting the office he/she holds and in any activity; manifest respectful attitude towards all the people with whom he/she has contacts when exercising his/her powers.

Insulting expressions and threats expressed by Aram Harutyunyan, Minister of Nature Protection were viewed as a manifestation of conduct unbefitting public servant/ high ranking official and was a gross violation of the rules of ethics which threatens respect for and trust in the body he represented.