I urge the Governor of Gegharkunik to use appropriate language when communicating with citizens: Takhouhi Tovmasyan

Since this morning, I have been in contact with the fishermen of the Gegharkunik region. The fishermen feel deceived and, in desperation, have blocked the Yerevan-Sevan highway. Meanwhile, the regional authorities continue to boast. This was stated by Takhouhi Tovmasyan, a member of the National Assembly from the 'We Have Honor' faction, on her Facebook page.

'Several residents of the Gegharkunik region who contacted me are raising concerns about the prohibition of fishing in Lake Sevan. They specifically note that the set limits for fishing have been reached, resulting in fishing boats being forcibly removed from the area. Moreover, the right of citizens to be heard has not been exercised, which has led them to close the road, as they claim that the set limits for fishing are very small, creating significant social issues and putting many residents at risk of losing their only source of livelihood.'

'I have already written to the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Armenia, Romanos Petrosyan, requesting an investigation into the issues raised by the citizens and to present the operational measures being taken to address the problem. I would like to remind that back on August 24, 2020, I addressed the issues raised by fishermen, recorded several problematic points, and, working together with the fishermen, it seemed that a solution was found in cooperation with the government. But no, people claim they are deceived. I believe that if there is a desire, it is possible to find solutions that will allow fishermen feeling the threat of unemployment to support their families and maintain their only means of livelihood while also responsibly managing our national wealth—the fish stocks. We must exclude the situation recorded years ago, when the Sig fish became a rare species.

P.S. I urge Gegharkunik Governor Karen Sargsyan to be more reserved and correct in his communication with citizens, using language appropriate for an official,' the MP wrote.