Government Will Not Compensate Businesses Affected by Surmalu Explosion, Kerobyan

We do not respect the laws in our country. For example, everyone smokes in coffee shops. This was stated by Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan during a press briefing after the Government meeting.

He pointed out that such behavior cannot lead to the kind of development necessary for stable growth in this region.

When asked why the authorities do not ensure that the laws they have adopted are enforced, Kerobyan responded, “I agree. We are forced to act in a punitive manner to establish discipline.”

Kerobyan also mentioned that we must accept that we are still far from being a disciplined nation.

Furthermore, the minister addressed the businesses affected by the explosion at the Surmalu shopping center, stating that the Armenian government will not compensate the businesses affected by the blast at the Surmalu market. He noted that the entrepreneurs working at Surmalu had not insured their properties.

“The government cannot take on functions and compensate for the costs that an insurance company should cover. If the entrepreneur did not consider the risk significant, then the government has no role here,” he stated.