  Ombudsman demands transport hike explanation from Yerevan Mayor  July 24, 2013 - 15:21 AMTPanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Ombudsman Karen Andreasyan issued an official request to Yerevan Mayor over the recent transport fare hike. In the document, the human rights defender questioned whether the Mayor actually signed and published a resolution to increase the transport price, noting the ruling to be illegal otherwise. “If the transport companies had requested a fare hike, wouldn’t that necessitate a tender involving all companies, including those offering to leave the fare at AMD 100?” the document questions. The Ombudsman further slammed the decision taken without the public involvement as unacceptable, also citing gross violation of law. He urged to make those who’ve violated the law accountable, with the citizens refunded for paying an extra sum for transport. On Thursday, July 18 a 50% increase in public transport price was confirmed, with passengers to be charged AMD 150, up from AMD 100. The increase fuelled rallies, with several car owners joining the protesters by offering free transportation. The activists are distributing leaflets urging against paying AMD 150, some are still paying AMD 100 in protest.   Top stories As a result of floods in Armenia’s northern Lori and Tavush provinces, 17 bridges, including five large ones, have collapsed. David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with Stephan Schütz, Executive Partner at Gerkan, Marg and Partners. The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said.   Partner news |  Latest news Pashinyan’s spokesperson denies intention to visit Baku for COP29  Pashinyan’s agenda doesn’t include a trip to Baku for the COP29 conference, his press secretary Nazeli Baghdasaryan has said.Russia accuses West of preparing invasion of CSTO countries NATO is preparing an invasion of the CSTO countries, the number of provocations in the air is growing, Sergei Shoigu has said.Lithuania sending €100,000 to help Armenia fight floods consequences Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution.U.S. “deeply troubled” by Azerbaijan's arrest of civil society members The United States is deeply troubled by the continued arrest of members of Azerbaijani civil society, Matthew Miller has said. |
