In the first governmental session of 2015 Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan addressed and approved the 2015 Government Program on Jan. 16.

Abrahamyan urged the members of his administration to perform their duties at a higher level. He stressed that their efforts should have a perceivable impact on the country's citizens.

"Although a serious amount of work has been done, still there are shortfalls," Abrahamyan said. "The priorities and the program of activities are the least of what we should do. I expect more of you; I look forth to initiative, thoughtfulness and thoroughness. We have a lot of problems. Any head of agency is responsible not only for paperwork, but also for the sector under his jurisdiction. You are responsible for providing economic growth, employment, taxes and quality of services. Along with initiative, I expect high-quality work, and especially strong discipline."

During this meeting Abrahamyan approved the government assistance to families, welfare recipients and to social service agencies for up to two years.

A moment of silence was held to in honor of a family of six that was killed in Gyumri. The suspected assailant was apprehended by Russian authorities at the Armenia-Turkey border on Jan. 12.