Sanahin Monastery reconstruction costs government AMD 18m.

An Armenian deputy minister of culture said Thursday that a sum of 18 million Drams (approx. $43,150) was spent from the state budget this year for covering the reconstruction the Sanahin Monastery complex;

Speaking at the cabinet meeting, Arev Samuelyan noted that despite the expenses made, they still have much work to do to complete the activities.

Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan answered that the German, French and Italian experts working on the project have given their positive conclusion on the activities.

“I was there recently and saw considerable work had been carried out,” he said, asking the deputy minister about the NGOs’ interests in the ongoing activities.

Samuelyan said that the society, in general, demonstrates a very active interest in questions concerning the maintenance of cultural heritage.

“Questions always arise, but those are mostly in spheres unrelated to professional work. There is always the problem with making certain questions public and raising awareness,” he noted.

The premier said a more active collaboration with the NGOs is needed to make them aware of all the studies conducted by the Ministry’s specialists.