OREANDA-NEWS. June 9, 2008. Greeting the guest, the Prime Minister said that Armenia appreciates the programs carried out by different UN agencies in Armenia which cover a broad range of spheres targeting the creation of decent living conditions for the population. Tigran Sargsyan confirmed the readiness of the Armenian government to provide favorable conditions necessary for successful completion of UN permanent coordinator's activity and the organization's mission in our country, as a whole.

Ms. Consuelo Vidal briefed the Prime Minister on the programs carried out by over a dozen of UN agencies operating in Armenia by noting that the organization wants these programs to be used with maximum efficiency and in the best possible manner for the sake of Armenia's and its people's prosperity. She further noted that at this point a new 4-year program of cooperation with Armenia is being developed and that the government and the prime minister of Armenia are expected to assist them therewith so as the program may cover all the priority areas identified by the government. “We are a politically neutral organization, and we do believe that our development-oriented efforts will promote the resolution of the problem of social polarization as well,” the UN Permanent Coordinator has said. In this regard, among other programs covering a number of key areas, the parties have mentioned the need for territorial development, public-private sector cooperation, small and medium-size business expansion, combating corruption, educational reforms.

To achieve greater efficiency and avoid eventual duplications, the head of the Armenian government pointed out the need for coordinating the whole body of support programs coming from donor countries and organizations. In conclusion, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that as assisted by the United Nations, the Government will be able to carry out all of its ambitious programs.