Ministry Clarifies Location Selection for the Installation of Christ's Statue

The Ministry of Environment has issued a clarification regarding the proposed installation of a monumental statue of Jesus Christ on the summit of Mount Hatis.

In a statement, the ministry noted: "Dear citizens, we find it necessary to clarify the following regarding the project for the installation of the statue of Jesus Christ on Mount Hatis: During the government meeting on July 7, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the necessary documents for the initiative to build a large statue of Jesus Christ were submitted to the government by the president of the Multi Group concern, and government bodies need to discuss and make a decision on this matter.

We inform you that the Ministry of Environment has not yet received any documents regarding the selection of the installation site from the Gagik Tsarukyan charitable foundation. Responding to the concerns raised by the professional community and various segments of the public, the construction of the statue has been suspended at this time and will only commence after obtaining the necessary professional and expert conclusions and permits from the relevant authorities to start the construction works.

We remind you that Mount Hatis is included in the list of natural monuments of the Republic of Armenia, according to the government decision N 967-N of August 14, 2008, on approving the list of natural monuments of the Republic of Armenia. The preservation of the natural monument is regulated by point 1 of Article 19 of the law on specially protected natural areas, which states that any activity that threatens its preservation is prohibited within the area of the natural monument, along with other subordinate legal acts. The Ministry of Environment will provide a professional conclusion on the project only after the relevant documents are obtained."