The Problem of Trafficking Demands a Solution

Ms. Hranoush Hakobyan, Head of the Standing Committee on Science, Education, Culture and Youth Affairs of the RA National Assembly on met on November 1 with Mr. Anthony Godfrey, Chargés d'Affaires of the US Embassy to Armenia and Ms. Masha Herbst, expert on Political and Economic Affairs of the US Embassy.

Mr. Godfrey mentioned that combating the vicious phenomenon of trafficking had become one of the most important issues of various international organizations and countries. Although the RA Government is planning to develop a National Plan on combating trafficking, no practical steps have been made yet, as no financial means have been allocated for it in the state budget. The US Chargés d'Affaires assured Ms. Hakobyan that his country is concerned with the problem and in case of allocation of  some funds to tackle that problem, the USA and UNDP would be ready to provide financial support to the project.

Ms. Hakobyan agreed that the trafficking exists, and therefore certain measures should be taken to eliminate it: the National Plan should be fully implemented; the state should join international treaties regulating the sphere; the state should improve the legislative field; and the state should closely cooperate with international organizations in dealing with the problem. She expressed her readiness to assist in solving the financial problem by applying to the RA Government. It was decided to continue the collaboration and to take certain steps to realize the project.

Public Affairs Office of the RA National Assembly

Published in: “Hayastani Hanrapetoutyun” newspaper, # 200 (4056), 2 November 2006 (Unofficial translation)