VIDEO: We Must Be Able to Refuse Fireworks Ourselves – Avinyan

The search and rescue efforts are nearing completion, as former Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan stated during a conversation with journalists at the site of the explosion in the Surmalu center.

“I want to specifically emphasize the quality of work and the promptness of the rescue services, and I would like to extend my special gratitude to them. I am confident that the citizens of Armenia, particularly the residents of Yerevan, share my view. This is one of the few well-established organizations that clearly understands its mission and performs its duties effectively. The search efforts are reaching their conclusion; there is still one person missing, and the location has been pinpointed. Search operations are continuing in that area.

The tragedy that occurred, I believe, was a wake-up call and a painful event, and I am convinced that this serves as an opportunity to think about the preservation of such materials. This is an occasion to reflect on the use of fireworks at our celebrations, such as births, weddings, and other cultural events.

A project was discussed and accepted by the government as early as 2021 that nearly restricted the use of fireworks during private events, allowing them only during state and community celebrations, which I believe is natural. I hope this has been a sobering incident for our society and community, and while I regret to mention it, we must be able to abandon this culture ourselves.”

Avinyan also added that during the new sitting of the National Assembly, the issue of using fireworks will be necessarily raised for discussion. A conversation on this topic had taken place with ruling faction member Sisak Gabrielyan.

When asked whether he was present as a candidate from the Civil Contract party for the Yerevan mayoral elections, Avinyan replied, “I am here as a member of the board of the Civil Contract party, and yes, as a candidate for mayor put forward by the Civil Contract party.”