Freedom of Information Center of Armenia.

How to utilize the RA Law on Freedom of Information workshop was organized in Vanadzor, Lori region, on June 8, 2006 by Freedom of Information Center and RTI for 31 officials representing the regional and municipal government of Lori Region, heads of village administrations and village elders.

“Information is valuable and we cannot provide it free of charge”, was the answer to the representative of Vanadzor Municipality information request, when he tried to obtain statistical information on mother and child projects in Lori region from regional bodies dealing with social security issues. ”Who will protect us in such cases?”, the official asked. Mrs. Shushan Doydoyan, FOICA President, mentioned that the seeker of information, regardless of his position, is protected by the FOI Law of the RA.

During the discussions Mr. Sasun Khechumyan, Alaverdi Municipality Lawyer, complained that while providing information to citizens they often have to explain the content of the reply to make it comprehensible, which they are not obliged to do. Ms. Marine Hakobyan, FOICA Expert, did not agree with that. She mentioned that such problems may be solved through good management. “The number of officials per capita has been officially calculated. Simply, everyone should be assigned to his work while preparing the list of staff members”, Ms. M. Hakobyan said, “Finally, local government bodies may have also contractual workers to fully accomplish their obligations allocating sums form their budgets to pay their wages”.

At the end of the discussion Mr. Khoren Gasparyan, Assistant to Vanadzor Mayor, thanked the speakers “for organizing such useful and effective meeting”.