The 2011 draft budget does not provide any funds for forest conservation, the Armenian MP Vahagn Makhsudyan stated in Parliament Oct 22. Millions have been budgeted for this purpose for years, whereas forests will be left to the mercy of fate next year.

In response, RA Minister of Finance Pavel Safaryan said that financing is impossible without a relevant program. The program is under discussion. Minister Safaryan sharply responded to the MPs’ question, saying: “Do not ask me this question any more, you had better present your proposals.” RA Minister of Nature Protection Aram Harutyunyan calmed the MPs down. He said that a total of 15 million AMD have been allocated for afforestation.