ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MINISTER TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS ON PRESERVATION OF "STONE SYMPHONY" OF GARNI

Noyan Tapan
Nov 9, 2007

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, NOYAN TAPAN. The rock massif "Basalt Organ"
or "Stone Symphony" in Garni is not included in the list of the
areas preserved by the state, the list of natural monuments has not
been approved yet – which is under the jurisdiction of the Armenian
government, the spokeswoman for the RA prosecutor general Sona Truzian
told NT correspondent. Presenting the results of the studies conducted
by the state interests department of the RA prosecutor general’s
office based on mass media publications and alarm calls of citizens
and NGOs, the RA prosecutor general Aghvan Hovsepian asked the RA prime
minister Serge Sargsian to dicsuss the issue of approving the list of
natural monuments. The prime minister instructed the RA environmental
protection minister to submit proposals.

To recap, about a month ago there were numerous alarm calls about
cutting stones in the above mentioned area, which may endanger this
unique natural monument. Article 298 of the RA Criminal Code and
Article 94 of the RA Code on Administrative Infringments envisage
responsibility for damaging natural monuments and violating the
special regime kept by the state.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress