Republican Party of Armenia

 A Cabinet sitting was held today, chaired by Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan.

Opening the meeting, the Prime Minister addressed the audience. “The National Statistical Service released today economic growth figures for the first half-year of 2015. According to revised indicators, GDP growth was 2.5% in the first quarter, while economic growth proved 5.1% in the second quarter, leading to a nearly 4 percent annual economic growth. In the face of the significant drop in remittances from abroad, particularly important is the growth in agriculture, which goes a long way toward mitigating our citizens’ external factors-driven loss of purchasing power, as well as diversifying and expanding the scope of our exports. I am hereby instructing all the departments concerned to raise public awareness of the first half-year’s financial results.”

The Cabinet decided that from August 1, 2015 through the completion of the audit due in the energy sector, government subsidies should be applicable to the whole amount of electricity consumed by the population and part of the appreciated value of 0.38 kV-rated electricity used by entities with a monthly consumption rate under 500 kW.

Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan said a discussion had been held earlier today with President Serzh Sargsyan on the possibility of assisting SMEs, which resulted in the aforementioned draft government resolution. The Premier added that the surcharge of 6.93 dram will be settled by the Government until the end of the audit. In this connection, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources was told to submit a relevant proposal to the Government upon receipt of the Auditor’s findings.

The meeting approved the draft recommendations formulated by the Government concerning the constitutional reform.

The Head of Government said to have discussed the day before with Vice Prime Minister Vache Gabrielyan, Minister-Chief of Government Staff David Haroutunyan and Deputy Minister of Justice Arsen Mkrtchyan all the proposals submitted by the ministries and government agencies. According to the Prime Minister, some of the proposals proved well worthy of discussion. Earlier today, the President and the Prime Minister have agreed that a debate should be held in the National Assembly involving ministers and heads of government departments. After the Government’s proposals have been finalized, they will be signed and submitted to the National Assembly.

In this connection with the situation in Ukraine, the Government adopted a decision to safeguard the social rights of those resettled in the Republic of Armenia. They will be entitled to pensions, retirement allowances, disability and survivor benefits payable in accordance with the legislation, based on the provisions of this decision. In some cases, the relevant documents are not required.

The meeting accepted the proposal to sign an arrangement between Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on mutual establishment of trade missions, which will promote bilateral trade and economic relations.

The Government next passed a decision to call off the visa requirement for all citizens who hold ordinary passports issued in the Federal Republic of Brazil. The decision seeks to establish the principle of reciprocity of visa regime for a period not exceeding 90 days from the date of entry, which may be extended by 90 days.
The Cabinet approved the resolution passed by the shareholders of Hamo Beknazaryan Hayfilm Studio CJSC at the general meeting of this August 21 on the return of 100% of company shares to the Republic of Armenia.

In conclusion, the meeting decided to rename High School N 62 in Yerevan after Armenia Hero Tatul Krpeyan.