For or against casinos?
Director of the Armenian Center for Strategic and National Investigation Richard Kirakosian and President of the "Reform" NGO Karine Hakobyan raised concerns over the the latest government resolution on casinos, but the presses perceived this differently.
According to the government resolution, casinos will be moved to resorts in Tsakhkadzor, Sevan and Jermuk starting in 2013. According to the guest speakers at the "Hayeli" club, the resolution is not in the interest of the nation and will cause problems in terms of national security. For example, Richard Kirakosian mentioned that casinos may have an impact on Armenia's development.
"This is a business aimed at corruption and causes a threat to Armenia's security."
"This is a bill for the unlimited development of casinos. Besides that, when the Ministry of Finance was preparing this bill, the Ministry of Economy was preparing the concept for development in Jermuk. Both contradict one another and the casinos represent a danger within the country," added Karine Hakobyan.
Richard Kirakosian called on Serzh Sargsyan to leave casinos aside and work toward developing chess, which will have a positive impact on Armenia.
After the speeches, journalists asked why they suddenly decided to raise concerns over the issue of casinos when they have been existing for a long time already. Wasn't this lobbying for existing casinos?
"No, not at all. Don't get the wrong idea. The issue is not about hurting casino owners or declaring them bankrupt. The problem is Armenia's course of development," said Karine Hakobyan. Richard Kirakosian said that he is against gambling and although he can't prohibit anybody from doing that, everyone has the right to express his opinion.
