Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan continues his meetings with the residents of Syunik Marz. In the second half of the day, the Head of Government met with residents of Meghri, Kajaran and Kapan.

The Prime Minister noted that his trip to the region had two primary goals: emotional and practical. “First of all, we want to see what kind of mood you have after the revolution, what your vision of the future is, and whether you feel victorious and strong. That emotion means love for homeland, and that emotion will never go away. Today, there is a feeling of reciprocated affection between our citizens and us; I will never stop loving our people. Our power is based exclusively on your trust: there is no other factor that has helped us to record the victory. Our sole political ally is the citizen and the people of Armenia, and we know that they will continue to be our allies as long as they see that we are serving the nation,” Nikol Pashinyan said, adding that no one should doubt that he until the end of his life he will serve Armenian citizens.

Nikol Pashinyan underscored that he does not feel any dependence as prime minister; his only dependence comes from the people, his only wish is to make people feel victorious. “You are the proprietor of political changes in Armenia, and I urge you to hold on to that victory and never miss it. You must always be the supreme power, the government should recognize you as a leader, but you too can help the government to be as efficacious as possible. I have come to collect energy and continue with the mission delegated on your part,” the Premier said.

Coming to the practical goal of his visit, the Prime Minister said that the visit has already resulted in concrete decisions, capital investments, road construction, construction of irrigation systems and other destinations will be implemented through subsidies in communities.

“We have agreed that communities should submit their own programs, and people should see practical changes at their own pace at this stage. People should see changes in their courtyard, family and in their living standards,” Nikol Pashinyan emphasized.

Touching upon the mining sector problems, the Premier noted that after collecting sufficient facts about the state of affairs in this area, appropriate decisions will be made. In particular, one of the inhabitants of Meghri informed that they stopped the protests against the exploitation of Litchq mine, following the Prime Minister’s call and hoped that a fair solution would be given to the issue.

Nikol Pashinyan underscored that the earth’s crust is being destroyed in Armenia, exported and considered to be economic growth, depending on copper prices. “I think this is a problem, but I do not think we should close the mining industry. I have instructed that all metal mines be tested, checked against the applicable environmental standards. Please let us collect the necessary information that will allow us to make a decision. I have no right as prime minister to decide that the mines should be closed. I am aware of the problems, in order to make a decision we have to collect undeniable facts, based on which a decision will be made,’ the Head of Government pointed out. Nikol Pashinyan stressed that he has no corruption obligation in connection with any mine, his sole commitment is before the people.

Speaking about the fight against corruption, Nikol Pashinyan stressed that the government will consistently go after each dram stolen from the people. “All those who have committed a theft should be arrested. It would be a disgrace for me to have a political prisoner during my term, values are what matter most for us; we are not going to substitute someone else’s theft with our own robbery, or monopoly. I have a personal commitment assumed for each of you: we will consistently recover what has been robbed, irrespective of the name and surname of the robber,” the Prime Minister said.

In response to local residents’ questions, the Prime Minister touched upon the construction of the North-South Highway. They wanted to know how logical it was to start the construction from the Yerevan-Artashat section, and not Meghri-Kajaran.

“For us, too, it is a matter of mystery: why did the road construction start from Yerevan-Artashat? I am going to hold a consultation on the North-South issue. Frankly speaking, there are many shortcomings associated with this highway construction. I have also instructed law enforcement agencies to investigate and find out if there were any abuses during the construction. The time of arbitrariness is over in Armenia; today no one should think that he can commit a crime and go unpunished,” Nikol Pashinyan said.

Summing up his Syunik Marz visit, the Prime Minister noted that it was successful and effective. “Never allow anyone to rule over you; from now on you are the highest power in the country, so keep the victory firm in your hands. Together, we must develop and landscape every square meter in Armenia,” Nikol Pashinyan concluded.