– What do you think about the dialogue between the ANC and authorities?
– I think that the dialogue with the opposition has always been open to the society and I think it is very positive. Even more, for more than three years we have announced that this dialogue is important. We have invited the opposition for cooperation, as well as we have created institutions, where the participation of the opposition is essential. Specifically, their role would be important in the anti-corruption monitoring group because it would enable the opposition take part in the activities the government is planning for that purpose. From this prospective we have always been open and our dialogue has been open to the society.
– Former president Robert Kocharyan said in his recent interview that during his tenure the life standards and qualities were significantly different. Does this statement also concern the incumbent government and administration as during their office there was slump of the economy and life standards?
– I think you are interpreting the second president’s statement subjective. That is why I will not make any comments.
– Do you think the political prisoners will be set free till May 28?
– I can’t say.
– Negotiations are going on at the border concerning the imported gas from Russia. When do you think these negotiations will finish? How much will be the growth of the gas prices?
– The president of the state has made a political announcement concerning that issue and I don’t think there are reasons to worry about. The price of gas will not be increased this year, even more it will be cheaper by 32 drams for socially vulnerable groups of the society, and this policy will not be changed. The negotiations will be over and everything will be clear, currently I can’t say anything about it.
– Hovik Abrahamyan answered to your statement concerning him in his newly opened Facebook page. Will you communication with Hovik Abrahamyan continue in the virtual world?
– First of all I want to admit, that your question means that the IT sector is developing in Armenia. Officials are opening accounts in different networks, which enable them stay in touch with the society, answer their questions and stay in touch, which is an important factor in the modern world. In 2010 the number of Internet users doubled in Armenia and now we have 175,000 Internet users. This year we expect that their number will exceed 300,000. From this point of view I think that it is not surprising that the speaker of the parliament has such tool for communicating with you as well.
– Can the weather conditions support the inflation growth this year? Will the agricultural products such as food and vegetables be expensive this year too?
– Nobody can answer your question because we cannot foresee weather conditions. For example, nobody could foresee the processes in Japan.
– The sector of agriculture is not that active now and in fact it cannot influence on the inflation. But still the level of inflation is high in our country. Will it be possible to reduce inflation till the end of this year to the extent of corresponding to the level planned by the budget?
– You should ask this question to the CB chairman.