YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. The objective of the Armenian government and the ruling political party is to set a new standard of justice, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said.

“The biggest expectation of the Armenian society has been fairness, fairness in all sectors, from social to political,” Pashinyan said Saturday during the Prosecutorial Independence in Upholding the Rule of Law high-level conference dedicated to the 105th anniversary of the establishment of the Prosecution of Armenia.

“And certainly, the most important manifestation of fairness is perhaps justice,” Pashinyan added, emphasizing that his administration is consistent in carrying out significant reforms in the social and justice sectors.

Pashinyan also addressed the critique regarding the increase of salaries in the justice sector, including in the prosecution, judiciary and the investigative system.

“Every time when I speak about the increase of salaries I say that we are doing this not primarily for the prosecutors, judges or investigators, but first of all for the citizens, because by doing so we seek to increase the quality of services rendered to our citizens, the quality of justice. And in this regard, setting a new standard of justice is our political objective. And I believe that this new standard is on the path of establishment, but this isn’t an easy path, but we are consistently following that path,” Pashinyan said.

He mentioned the stolen asset recovery division of the prosecution, noting that the mechanism is already functioning and the government will be able to meet the expectations of the Armenian citizens within the framework of the law, with support of international partners.

“Today, there are frequent press reports on various citizens, including representatives of the opposition, being either vindicated or found guilty as part of various criminal cases. And this too is a new standard of justice. There was a time when an indictment was being sent to court and there was a 99,9 percent likelihood of a [guilty verdict]. Now that’s not always the case.”

Highlighting the very good economic dynamics in the country, PM Pashinyan said that the government believes that the additional spending and investments carried out in the justice sector ensure further economic growth because the rule of law and an equal legal framework are the most important conditions for the economy and investments.

The Armenian Prime Minister also emphasized that for the first time in 105 years of its activities the prosecution is led by a woman lawyer, Prosecutor General Anna Vardapetyan. 

Congratulating the prosecutors on the anniversary, Pashinyan said that the public has high hopes in them.

“The prosecution is on the frontline of our people’s expectation to have a fair society, in between the courts and investigative bodies. And we hope and are certain that this mission will be accomplished.”