YEREVAN (Yerkir)–The three parties comprising the recently formed government coalition (the Republican Party of Armenia (HHK)–the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF)–and the Orinats Yerkir party)–are currently discussing the Government program to be presented to the National Assembly on Thursday. The Coordinating Council of the coalition–made up of the leaders of the parties–has approved the format and schedule for discussions.
ARF Armenia Supreme Body representative and Chairman of the National Assembly Foreign Relations Committee Armen Rustamian told Yerkir that the coalition parties have submitted their proposals to the Ministry of Finance for consideration–after which time–the Coordinating Council will vote to ratify the program.
Rustamian explained that President Kocharian’s plan for Government serves as the basis for the program which has been enhanced by pre-election principals put forth by the coalition parties.
"Social issues will be high on the Government’s program–especially taking into account that the ARF is a socialist party and will lead the social ministries," explained Rustamian.
"In two or three days–it will be clear which provisions will be kept in the final version that the Coordinating Council has to approve," Rustamian noted. He added that proposals to increase funding for all social programs have been submitted.