The Armenian government has sent out notices to all Regional Administrations, directing them to cut their staffs by 10%. The directives were sent by Davit Sargsyan, the government’s Chief of Staff. Hetq received a call from the Aragatzotn Regional Administration, saying that the directive mentioned that ten employees had to be let go, a number more than the 10% figure. The Administration claims that only ten employees should be getting yellow slips. Press reports claim that cuts have already started at the Ararat Regional Administration and that newly appointed Regional Governor Edik Barseghyan has used the opportunity to remove staff members he doesn’t like. Ararat Regional Administration Chief of Staff Armen Margaryan, in a telephone conversation with Hetq, expressed amazement over the rumors of cuts. “Who said that people have been cut?” he exclaimed, adding that since all employees are civil servants they must personally hand in termination requests before getting the axe. “We have received no such requests so far,” noted Mr. Margaryan.