Pashinyan Discusses Initiative for Erecting Statue of Jesus Christ

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated today at a press conference that the debate following the proposal by Gagik Tsarukyan regarding the erection of a statue of Jesus Christ has opened many important layers of discussion.

“For instance, there are monuments, statues, and stones being erected in various parts of the Republic of Armenia. Recently, a new trend has emerged where crosses keep appearing in different locations, and sometimes these crosses are placed in such a way that they offend my feelings as a Christian. Excuse me, it seems that anyone can find two pieces of plastic or metal and place some kind of cross wherever they want. We see stones appearing near highways and roads,” he remarked.

Pashinyan also pointed out that there are no specific legal acts regulating the construction of monuments in Armenia, specifically referring to the stones placed on graves. “There are statues of criminal figures installed in Armenia, which no one seems to notice. When discussions about the statue of Jesus Christ arise, everyone becomes active. There are circles that believe they have a certified property title to use the name of Jesus Christ,” he commented. “First of all, I think it is at least good that the person, in this case, Gagik Tsarukyan, who came up with such an idea, is presenting this concept to the public,” he added.

The Prime Minister noted that, in essence, a project is being proposed. “Whether or not that statue is erected is a decision for the state to make. There is a law, a procedure, governmental decisions. When this project is officially presented according to the established procedure, there is a state in the Republic of Armenia, and the state will make a decision,” he said, adding that it is very possible that the project will be presented with justifications, and a decision will be made on whether it is a good or bad project.