Construction Work Halted Around Amberd Fortress, Says Urban Development Committee

Construction work using heavy machinery and any other activities have been suspended in the area of the Amberd Fortress Cultural Heritage Reserve. Amberd is a national treasure, and such actions are unacceptable.

According to the Armenian Urban Development Committee, this was stated by the Committee's chairman, Vahagn Vermishyan, during a meeting with Sirak and Manuk Manukyan, who were conducting construction work in the vicinity of Amberd.

The statement specifically mentioned: “Any initiative aimed at tourism development in this area must be based on a project approved by the scientific-methodological council of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Armenia, once archaeological conclusions are available. If necessary, archaeological excavations will be conducted here. Landowners Sirak and Manuk Manukyan have accepted their share of responsibility and have asked to discuss the situation together and seek solutions with the support of experts.”

“Any intervention in the area of the Amberd Fortress Cultural Heritage Reserve and viewing zone should be carried out with extreme caution and in accordance with the overall landscape,” the chairman of the Urban Development Committee noted, adding that such incidents will be prevented under his and other responsible authorities' personal oversight.