Will Lands Be Taken From Farmers to Build a City? - 'Zhoghovurd'

According to 'Zhoghovurd' newspaper, today at the Armenian government meeting, a decision will be made regarding the recognition of certain territories within the administrative boundaries of the Sasunik community in the Aragatsotn region as a matter of public interest.

'Zhoghovurd' has learned that the government intends to take lands from the farmers in the Sasunik community to implement the Academic City project there. Official documents reveal that the issue will be reported by the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Zhanna Andreasyan.

According to the project, based on the Armenian government’s decree No. 1802-L dated October 19, 2023, certain areas described in appendices No. 1, 2, and 3 of this decision within the administrative boundaries of the Sasunik community in the Aragatsotn region will be recognized as having public interest. The justification for this recognition is that the benefits of the project’s implementation outweigh the interests of the property owners being expropriated, as the project aims to create the necessary conditions for economically sustainable and progressive development by establishing an environment that guarantees modern educational, research, and innovative activities.

The Academic City is expected to ensure the best application of acquired knowledge, serving the public in overcoming social, economic, and cultural challenges, as well as guaranteeing the involvement and service of the knowledge, technologies, and innovations generated for public welfare and progress in cooperation with public and private organizations.

It is noted that the deadline for this project is set until September 30, 2025, and the authorized person responsible for the implementation of this program will be the governor of Aragatsotn region, Sergey Movsisyan.

Additionally, the announcement states that this declaration will come into force on the 10th day following its official publication, according to the newspaper.