I Wouldn't Want to Address This Issue, But I Can't: Arsen Torosyan

The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia has issued a statement quoting Minister Arsen Torosyan: “I wouldn’t want to address this issue for our country during this difficult period, but I can’t help it. The tobacco industry, represented by a very well-known international manufacturer that is trying to extend its grip over all countries, has become active in Armenia again. It has activated in our country during this challenging time. It has dared to blackmail even a weakened, but still an entire state. And the instrument of blackmail is the same old record, stating that the country will be destroyed if their vital interests are violated. What is significant is that these very interests lead to the deterioration of the population's health and, consequently, the weakening and decay of the economy.

Everywhere, the encroaching industry finds weak links to further the blackmail, yet there are also unexpected developments in this process. Regardless of the fact that anything is possible in politics, it still surprises me that the head of the National Assembly's Health and Social Issues Committee can co-author a bill that contributes to the destruction of health. I simply cannot wrap my head around this. Could this not have been done through other deputies? Is it done specifically to emphasize the industry’s omnipotence, especially in this difficult period? Or am I too romantic, thinking there are written and unwritten boundaries on various behaviors?

In any case, we have reached a juncture where the National Assembly must discuss the question of postponing several important provisions of the law “On Reducing and Preventing Damage to Health from the Use of Tobacco Products and Their Substitutes.” From my impression, this discussion will be formal in nature, as the blackmail seems to have worked. Otherwise, the issue wouldn’t have reached the NA agenda, as it has been proven multiple times that these provisions are crucial for having healthier adolescents and youth, and generally, a healthier population. This has been proven internationally and for our country, which does not differ significantly from other countries that have fallen into the trap of the tobacco industry.

We will not hesitate to present our arguments and evidence to our colleagues in the National Assembly again, but we will also never forget who and how tried to “grab chestnuts from the fire” for our country during this difficult time.

Arsen Torosyan
Minister of Health of Armenia