In Armenia, Memorial Stones and Crosses Will Be Installed Only with Special Permission

Memorial stones, khachkars, and crosses will be classified as medium-risk facilities. This was announced by Armen Ghulyan, chairman of the Urban Development Committee, during a government session where a draft decision was proposed for government approval.

“When carrying out construction or installation in specially designated land areas, areas subject to special urban planning regulations, as well as within a zone of 30 meters from the axes of local significance highways, it is necessary to coordinate the proposed solutions at the design documentation stage with the relevant authority in the field of urban planning,” Ghulyan noted.

He added that the state body, in turn, would coordinate these with the necessary authorities, including the National Security Service, police, road sector, and environmental protection authorities.

Already installed memorial stones and crosses are also under the government's scrutiny. The Urban Development Committee will study them in collaboration with the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, and will make separate decisions if necessary.

The chairman of the Urban Development Committee also mentioned that a draft law concerning administrative penalties for violating the regulations regarding the installation of memorial stones, khachkars, and crosses has already been developed and will soon be presented for government approval.

It is noteworthy that on July 7, 2022, during a government session, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan tasked the responsible authorities to address the unauthorized placement of crosses and khachkars in various locations across Armenia.