On July 4 and 5 RA National Assembly Chairman Artur Baghdasaryan paid a working visit to all former administrative regions of the Shirak marz. More than 350 letters were handed to the NA Chairman during his numerous meetings with the population of Gyumri, Maralik, Artik, Ashotsk, Amasia, Akhurian.

The main issues raised by the resident of the Shirak marz related to unemployment, improvement of road conditions, exempting from land tax residents of the borderline regions, supplying with toxic chemicals.

The issue of unemployment remains burning in Ani and Maralik. During his initial visit to the Shirak marz the chairman promised to open computer centers in marz, agreements were reached that one of these centers will be in Maralik and will enable not only to receive basic computer instructions but also try to find jobs on-line and write programs. The issue of completing the construction works on undeveloped constructions was also brought up in Maralik. Residents of Artik brought up similar issues.

Akhurian residents raised the issue of the university that is on the verge of being closed, NA Chairman promised to consider that issue as well.

The construction of Gyumri-Akhurian highway was also touched upon during Mr. Baghdasaryan’s visit to Akhurian. As many as 12bn AMD were forwarded to the road construction and the issue will be resolved within that framework, the NA Speaker said.

Apart from the necessity to improve road conditions the residents of Ashotsk and Amasya also brought up the issue of offering tax breaks exempting the residents of the borderline regions of the land tax, for the social situation is rather difficult and there are no opportunities to organize normal activities. The necessity to supply with gas and Mr. Baghdasaryan claimed that certain steps have been taken in that direction ArmRusGasprom will supply the regions with gas.

The issue of apartment distribution was highlighted in Gyumri. NA Chairman told Gyumri residents that during his foreign visits, the regional development projects are constantly being brought to the limelight and an agreement on partnership between Plovdiv and Gyumri has been recently signed in Plovdiv. Similar agreements have also been reached with Italy, France, Russia and economic, clear-cut joint educational cultural programs have been elaborated. Delegations from Samara, Toscana and Plovdiv will arrive already in October. NA Chairman promised to offer Akhurian and Gyumri hospitals with a fully equipped ambulance car each in accordance with the agreements reached in Italy.

All recommendations, applications and letters NA Chairman received during the regional visit are being considered and will be answered to soon.

Working visits will be continued this summer involving all the regions.