What follows are excerpts of an interview given by Armenian Primer Minister Tigran Sargsyan following his recent speech at the   Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) think-tank in Brussels.

Mr. Prime Minister, what are the unique features of the anti-corruption campaign now taking place in Armenia? Why are they so vital today?

We have adopted a very clear strategy. We must target those important goals that will result in the success of the anti-corruption campaign. We are not so much concerned with the number of measures to be taken but rather their effectiveness. We must begin the campaign at the very top.

We have targeted 500 high-ranking officials, and if they work in a transparent manner that is publicly monitored and if their incomes are scrutinized, it will drastically reduce corruption risks. In addition, this will decrease the desire of   entrepreneurs to seek appointment to these 500 positions.

It was with the backing of the RA President that we were able to push this bill through the parliament. This year, for the first time, an ethics committee has been established tasked with monitoring the income disclosure statements of these government officials.

Today, all 131 members of parliament, judges and prosecutors must report their revenues and assets. The committee must respond in all cases where the public sees that these reports do not correspond to reality.

It is to be noted that these disclosure reports are made available to the public on-line. By doing this, we have placed a straight jacket on these officials. It is my conviction that the best manner to fight corruption is through securing transparency.

Mr. Prime Minister, the successful attempt of Georgia to fight corruption is evident to all. Why isn’t it being applied in Armenia?

It’s simple. The revolutionary road leading to change isn’t acceptable in Armenia. We are taking the evolutionary path towards change. It will take longer but will guarantee stability. This is of supreme importance to us, taking into account the relations we have with our neighbours.

When we conduct reforms, we always appraise our internal capabilities. The geo-political situation fundamentally reduces our potential in this respect. Thus, we have a more long-term strategy which is perhaps more painful

What is the problem we face? We have a small stratum of the very rich and a large layer of the poor. But it is the middle class that pushes society forward and it is weak in today’s Armenia.

Thus, our goal is to bring the very rich under supervision and make their actions transparent and open, while at the same time creating favourable conditions for small and medium business. We regard this as the best strategy for eliminating poverty

What is the impact of the Armenian diaspora on the economy of Armenia? We know about the huge amounts of money transfers going to Armenia. What is the impact of these transfers?

Transfers have a vital significance for our country. There’s an interesting factor at play. While the population of Armenia is 3 million, there are some 6 million outside the country. Those sending the transfers are the ones who left Armenia during the past twenty years and not the 4-5 million who are the descendants of the 1915 Genocide survivors. It’s a matter of old and new emigrants. 95% of the old ones have never visited Armenia but they possess a great potential that can spur our economy.

While they have never been to Armenia they live in the Armenian world and have their churches, political parties, schools, etc.

We have crafted a new strategy to tap into that potential. At the initiative of President Sargsyan, we have created a Ministry of the Diaspora. This is a first. Through the ministry we are now carrying out pan-Armenian programs. There are scores of pan-Armenian bodies comprised of architects, lawyers, doctors and other professionals. These bodies are busy conducting development projects in Armenia.

We have also established a National Competitiveness Council in whose activities   representatives of the private sector of the diaspora participate. The Council is tasked with carrying out projects revealing those sectors of the economy that have a competitive edge, in addition to raising the overall level of competitiveness. It also seeks to encourage investment in Armenia.

In general, we must work at improving the business environment in Armenia so that investments are able to succeed and be profitable.