Our participation in some events does not mean that all the relevant decisions of the government are in place and construction works have already started according to the procedures. Economy minister Vahan Kerobyan said this during the Facebook interview of RFE/RL Armenian Service—and referring to his participation in the start of the construction of a monumental statue of Jesus Christ on the top of Mount Hatis of Armenia.

“This is an event about the start of a project, and there is no mention of any construction. Naturally, this project must go through all the procedures, and after receiving the approvals, it will enter the working phase. Of course, there is a lot of disposition both from the investor [i.e., Prosperous Armenia Party leader—and business tycoon—Gagik Tsarukyan], and the Prime Minister has publicly approved this project during his speeches. But obviously none of us are going to implement projects by breaking laws. Everything will be done by the procedure established by law,” the minister assured.

According to him, if this project is brought to fruition, there will be a very large tourist flow there.

“Mount Hatis is actually a wasteland. Expeditions are taking place [there], but there is little activity [there now] compared to what is planned. If the plan comes to fruition, there will be investments of tens, if not hundreds of millions of dollars there.

Investments in historical and cultural areas are not ruled out, but there is a special procedure for making investments [there]; various departments need to give their consent, the historical and cultural environment should not be disturbed”, he said.