On May 15 in the RA NA Prosperous Armenia Faction a debate on the process of expansion of communities was held, where the members of the faction, members of the government, aldermen of the communities and experts took part.

The Head of the NA Prosperous Armenia Faction Naira Zohrabyan has informed that on May 17 local referenda will be held in some communities of Syunik, Lori and Tavush marzes related to the process of expansion of communities. The Head of the faction has noted that the opinion of the residents of the communities is not equivocal, it seems they are not sufficiently informed about the very process: there are concerns and fears.

The RA First Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Emergency Situations Vache Terteryan presented the process of the expansion of communities and has underlined that the main goal of the reform is the investment of the effective system of the local self-government, and the unity of the communities, as the residents mistakenly think. Vache Terteryan presented the three zonal pilot programs which the RA Government began in Tavush, Lori and Syunik marzes, presented the results expected from the process of the expansion of communities, and noted the inefficiency of the functioning local self-government system and the reasons of the problems existing in the communities. The Deputy Minister has informed that the residents of the communities involved in the pilot programs are sufficiently aware of the process, as a result of numerous visits and meetings, the residents' concerns decreased. According to the Deputy Minister, the expansion of the communities is not an aim in itself: as a result of reform we expect an efficient system of administration, and, especially, competitive alderman. Besides, according to him, jobs will not be cut, the communities will not get more subsidies, than we have now. The financial means will be used more expedient and effective, and some borderline communities will get special status. It is designed that every community will have head of community, who will be appointed.

The deputy Lyova Khachatryan is against the reform in this shape. He has stated that he is for the program bearing the name regional which the government has not accepted.

The Chairman of the NA Standing Committee on Territorial Management and Local Self-Government Stepan Margaryan highlighted the started process, considered it even belated.

The expert of the sphere Vahan Movsisyan presented the international experience and noted the importance of the reform.

Summing up the Head of the NA Prosperous Armenia Faction Naira Zohrabyan thanked the attendees for the concerned debates and informed that the faction would continue the debates visiting the marzes and will express its political position.