1. Freedom of Information

The government approved draft amendments to the Law on Freedom of Information



12.02.2004

The government approved draft amendments to the Law on Freedom of Information.
This decision was conditioned by the intention to eliminate contradictions that
the Law had with the ROA Constitution, other laws and within itself. It is also
planned to change the Law’s title into “Freedom of Access to Information”. The
amendments presented in the draft define new principles on registration of
information, its classification and maintenance, procedures for publication and
provision of information, etc.



2. Detainees’ rights. Children rights

Soviet-Prisoners and Orphans on Agenda

14.02.2004

The problems of prisoners that were sent for compulsory work in exile during the
Soviet times, as well as the kids that have no parents are to be discussed by
the Armenian parliament in the next three-day sessions of February 16-18.

Head of social, health and nature issues commission of the parliament Gagik
Mkheyan presented the upcoming agenda, stressing that the years of forced work
of the Armenian citizens that have been in exile (of course within the territory
of the USSR) are going to be considered as seniority, thus positively affecting
their pensions. Mkheyan informed that currently there are 4,000 such
ex-prisoners living in Armenia, 2,000 out of which are disabled.

The parliament member also reported that 35 orphan kids received apartments last
year, mentioning that another 75 kids with no parents will celebrate
housewarming with friends this year. Moreover, earlier the apartment were
allocated in the marz or city where the given kid was living. Now, the lodging
will be giving without 'territory limit' meaning that in the current year the
Armenian orphans can get homes elsewhere, depending on the circumstances.
Mkheyan noted that the lone kids will all be secured with shelter by 2007.


http://new.csi.am/eng/index1.php?goto=news&id=1527



3. Freedom of Assembly

Government welcomed the bill on “Order for Holding Meetings, Demonstrations,
Marches and Protests”.

12.02.04

It sets the procedure and conditions for organizing meetings, demonstrations,
marches, or protests /including sits-in/, the restrictions of the right to
conduct them, the rights, obligations and responsibility of the participants,
the state and self-government bodies.


http://new.csi.am/eng/index1.php?goto=news&id=1522



4. News from International Organizations

New USAID/Armenia Strategy for 2004-08

14.02.04

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has approved a new
strategic plan to guide USAID programs in Armenia. The strategy for 2004-08
emphasizes employment generation, improved democratic and economic governance,
and an expanded social safety system as central themes. In order to achieve the
overarching goals, USAID will concentrate on the development of human and
institutional capacity. By improving the skills of those implementing reforms
and the ability of key institutions to serve society, USAID will help ensure
that its efforts promote sustainable change.

USAID developed the strategy in coordination and cooperation with the Government
of Armenia, private sector counterparts, representatives of civil society and
other donors.

For over 40 years, USAID has been the lead U.S. Government agency for assisting
developing countries in economic reform, and democratic and social development.



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