YEREVAN. – Armenian Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the National Institute of Archaeology is working on a program that will be develop appropriate work for the historical areas where excavation will be carried out, Minister Hasmik Poghosyan said.

Her remark came in response to a question by MP Aragats Ahoyan who asked about the measures taken to preserve the tomb of Arshakid royal dynasty in Aragatsotn Region. The tomb, he said, is being destroyed because of incomplete archaeological works.

Pogosyan added that 16 archaeological projects, including excavations in the ancient capital Artashat and in Dvin, are being implemented in Armenia every year. The Minister said the program will be presented to lawmakers as soon as it is ready.

For his part, the MP recalled that this tomb is the only preserved shrine on the territory of modern Armenia, and it is necessary to do everything to preserve historic heritage.