January 16, 2002 - 23:05 AMT
STAFF TRANSFER EXPECTED IN ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT
Next staff transfer is expected in the Government of Armenia soon. According to the information of "Arminfo" agency, resignation of Minister of Transport and Communication Andranik Manukian is expected at the turn of January or beginning of February. To all appearance, the reason of the possible retirement lies in unfruitful negotiations with "ArmenTel" telecommunication monopolist company. The agency does not posses data on who will become his successor. Retirement of Minister of Economy and Finance Vardan Khachatrian is also expected. Let us remind that the statement of the Minister that it was necessary to reduce cooperation of Armenian with the International Monetary Fund and World Bank to minimum, made on the New Year eve, caused indignation of the organizations as well as the country political leadership. The third person, who will have to leave the Government, is Minister of Agriculture Zaven Gevorkian, who is on vacation in France at present. Mayor of Yerevan Robert Nazarian has denied the rumor that he is appointed to one of the ministerial positions. In his words, neither the Prime Minister, nor the President of Armenia has addressed any proposals to him. Moreover, the Mayor stated that even if he was suggested another office, he would hardly agree.