Armenia’s ex-premier, member of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) parliamentary group Khosrov Harutyunyan admits that the Armenian government’s program is not a thoroughly elaborated document.

However, he said, it can be explained.

“The document is nothing but a political statement. It is expected to incorporate election pledges, with the ruling majority assuming the responsibility for them. The program sets priorities for the next five years, political steps to achieve the aims,” Harutyunyan told journalists on Wednesday.

It would be impossible to thoroughly elaborate such a document within a 20-day period set by Armenia’s Constitution, which proved to be a target for criticism.

“What is more, Armenia’s National Assembly ‘managed’ to discuss and approve the program within 48 hours,” he said.

Harutyunyan believes that the government program is an adequate document, dealing with all areas of public life.

The critics mostly pointed out the fact that the government failed to implement its program for 2008-2012, which is “completely groundless.” “They do not at all consider the crisis, when nothing more was possible to do,” Harutyunyan said.

He does not “admire” Armenia’s government. However, it is this same government that brought Armenia out of a deep crisis, and a 15% economic decline was not recorded. “Given the crisis, the government’s activities should not be assessed in the context of progress. Rather, they should be assessed in the context of serious shocks. The government succeeded in preventing major economic shocks, which affected a number of European states,” Harutyunyan said.

The government has focused on diversifying Armenia’s economy now. In seven or eight months it will be clear if the government is capable of ensuring progress, Harutyunyan said.