Armenia's new agriculture minister greeted with ovation as he attends cabinet meeting

The newly-appointed agriculture minister, Sergo Karapetyan, received ovation at a cabinet meeting today as he attended it for the first time as minister.

Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, upon whose initiative the cabinet members welcomed him, said that there would have been good results in 2010, had there not been the 14% decline in the agriculture sector.

"This means that we expect a lot from Sergo Karapetyan for this year," said Sargsyan.

Former Agriculture Minister Gerasim Alaverdyan of the Rule of Law party resigned in late December 2010, saying it was the party's decision.

But critics say Alaverdyan's resignation was related to the decline in agriculture and surge in food prices, followed by a shortage of eggs and a jump in egg prices prior to New Year.

Sergo Karapetyan promised to make reforms at the ministry and run its activities efficiently as he officially assumed his duties.

"Rest assured that soon our ministry will become one of the exemplary and best ministries in the republic," Karapetyan had said as he was introduced by PM Tigran Sargsyan to the Agriculture Ministry staff.

"I'm a man of action and primarily evaluate people with their work done, their dedication to the country and honest performance of duties," RFE/RL quoted him as saying as he addressed ministry officials.