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Nikol Pashinyan: “Proactive international efforts are crucial in terms of settling the issue of prisoners of war and instill optimism that we will have specific results in this matter”

29.04.2021

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A regular Cabinet meeting was held today, chaired by Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Before discussing the agenda items, the Acting Premier referred to the epidemiological situation in Armenia, highlighting the need for and importance of the vaccination campaign.

Nikol Pashinyan next touched upon the repatriation of Armenian POWs, noting: “You know that the repatriation of our compatriots held in captivity following the war is the most painful topic for us today. Azerbaijan fails to honor its commitment as regards the return of POWs and other detainees. Now we can state that this issue stands high on the international agenda. I would like to emphasize that late last night the European Union issued a landmark statement, which very specifically and in a targeted manner calls on Azerbaijan to return all prisoners of war, irrespective of detention circumstances.

This is an extremely important statement. At the same time, I consider it important to note that the aforementioned statement contains a reference to the proceedings taking place in the European Court of Human Rights, which in fact adds a legal component to the political statement. In this sense, I wish to emphasize that proactive international efforts are crucial in terms of settling the issue of prisoners of war and instill optimism that we will have specific results in this matter. We need to be as consolidated and consistent as possible as we are convinced that this issue will definitely get a positive solution.”

The Government approved a package of draft laws on amending the Tax Code of the Republic of Armenia and related laws. The amendments seek to create an appropriate fiscal environment for introducing a trade-in system in Armenia’s automobile market. Nikol Pashinyan pointed out that the decision implies a system of replacing used cars with new ones. “It is a common practice worldwide to surrender a used vehicle and get a new one following a specific deal. Our surveys have shown that the tax system applicable in Armenia leads to inconveniences in terms of conducting such processes. With the proposed amendments we are trying to contribute to the renewal of our car fleet, so that it would be easier to replace old cars with new ones,” the Acting Prime Minister said.

The meeting next approved a set of amendments to the RA Law on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and related legal acts. The proposed amendments provide for the possibility of producing hemp for industrial and agricultural purposes in the Republic of Armenia. They determine the specifics of licensing, quota requirements and legal regulation of state control.

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