March 25, 2009 - 18:16 AMT
The Social Council will bridge the gap between local authorities and people
RA Social Council will have a important role in the establishment of civil society and development of democracy in the country, Acting Coordinator for Organization of Social Council, ex-Prime Minister of RA Vazgen Manukyan told a news conference in Yerevan. "I'm confident that the Social Council will become a structure to recognize social issues and submit them to the Government, as well as capable of finding solutions".

According to ex-Prime Minister, Armenia has to create a structure to bridge the gap between local authorities and people. "There's also a possibility the Council activities will be ratified by RA Constitution," Manukyan emphasized.

Amendments to Regulations of RA Parliament and Government activities are in process.

Upon their completion, the Social Council will be authorized to send its representatives to RA legislative and executive authorities, to make statements and present the Council's position on various issues. Thus, the Council will be able to influence governmental structures' decisions and establish social control at governmental institutions.

On Mar 11 RA President Serzh Sargsyan signed a decree on appointment of 12 Social Council Members out of 36 and Council status confirmation.