A number of issues relating to freedom of information sector discussed with GIZ expert

On 23 May, Deputy Minister of Justice of the Republic of Armenia Suren Krmoyan received representatives of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) within the scope of a working discussion on the Law of the Republic of Armenia "On freedom of information" and the Concept Paper for "Modernisation of the Freedom of Information Sector".

To remind, the Concept Paper for the Law of the Republic of Armenia "On freedom of information" is being developed with the support of the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

 The Deputy Minister, expressing gratitude to the GIZ for the ongoing support in the field of legislation of the Republic of Armenia and the close co-operation, noted that the goal of the Ministry of Justice is to have more perfect legislative regulations in the sector. He singled out a number of issues, within the framework of which the need for improvement of the Law has emerged and the development of a concept paper for legislative amendments has been undertaken. According to Suren Krmoyan, among such needs are the need for having a law with regulations in conformity with the development of information technologies, which will also contribute to the increase in transparency and will act as an effective measure for combating corruption. Touching upon the provisions defined in the Concept Paper, the Deputy Minister emphasised that a goal had been set to develop the institute of persons responsible for information, promote proactive information, as well as solve issues relating to liability arising in case of violation of law and receipt of information of public significance.

Expert of the German Society for International Cooperation, Professor Otto Luchterhadt submitted to the Working Group his expert opinion on the Law of the Republic of Armenia "On freedom of information" of 10 October 2003. Afterwards, he indicated the principles that, according to him, ensure viability of the institute of freedom of information, particularly accessibility, integrity, reliability and up-to-dateness of information.

The representatives of the Working Group discussed the provisions defined in the Concept Paper for "Modernisation of the Freedom of Information Sector", submitted opinions and recommendations.

The discussion of the Working Group will continue on 24 May.