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02.03.2009 17:40
 Gita Elibekyan
“Radiolur”
The Advocacy and Assistance Center (AAC) of Yerevan opened its doors to the public today. US Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, as well as representatives from the Armenian Government, the international community and local NGOs attended the event.
Funded and established through the USAID Mobilizing Action Against Corruption (MAAC) Activity, the Center will help citizens resolve corruption-related problems by providing legal advice and assistance in legal processing of complaints. The ACC will also provide citizens with channels for reporting corruption and directing complaints to government agencies, as well as stimulate reforms by recommending systems-level changes to the Government of Armenia.
In her opening remarks Ambassador Yovanovitch reiterated the US Government’s commitment to democratic reform and good governance in Armenia. “Successfully reducing corruption requires and integrated approach that includes the development and implementation of government systems and policies to make corrupt practices more difficult and detectable,” said the Ambassador, noting the importance and role of civil society institutions and independent media in bringing corruption problems to light.
In addition to Yerevan AAC, which will be operated by Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center, MAAC established similar AACs in tavush, Lori, Shirak and Syunik marzes.
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