The official and solemn opening of the public beaches of Armenia's Lake Sevan was held on Saturday (photos).

Nature Protection Minister of Armenia Artsvik Minasyan welcomed those present, stressing that being a nationwide wealth, Lake Sevan should be equally accessible to everyone.

''This is one of the reasons why upon the instruction of the Armenian President the formation of public beaches was launched several years ago so that each citizen can make use of this important weal free of charge,'' the minister said, adding that the number of public beaches should be gradually increased.

In his words, Sevan is not only a regional but also a global high-quality water area, thus the implementation of programs aimed at improving its ecological condition is important, this being impossible without the involvement of citizens.

Referring to the PM's recent instructions on the advancement of Sevan National Park and Sevan development programs, the minister noted: ''The Government will do its best for Sevan to become a region corresponding to the modern sustainable development. We expect the participation of all of you in this. We also expect large investments so that the environmental, economic and social benefits are combined. We will do everything so that no action damages Sevan or it is brought to minimum, and so that our citizens' life, health, and organization of their rest is complete and promising.''

''Together with our Emergency Situations Ministry colleagues we have a very great responsibility to take care of the citizens' life, health and organization of safe rest,'' Minasyan stressed.

According to information specialist of Sevan National Park Tamara Kirakosyan, the Government and Sevan National Park spare no effort for the proper organization of the visitors' rest. ''We have free medical points and rescue detachment service. The public safety is ensured, and there are fitting rooms. We will also organize games, trivia games, film screenings, and seminar discussions,'' Kirakosyan said.

The opening was also attended by Gegharkunik province governor Karen Batoyan and Sevan town mayor Sargis Muradyan.