YEREVAN. – The Ministry of Emergency Situations has sent additional forces in connection with the large fire at the forest near the Lehvaz-Vardanidzor motorway in Meghri region of Syunik Province. The Minister of Emergency Situations, Feliks Tsolakyan, noted about this at Thursday’s Cabinet meeting of the government of Armenia.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in turn, said statistics show that fires in vegetated areas of the country have increased by 83.9 percent, as compared to last year, and called for environmental responsibility.

“This culture is problematic at us [Armenia],” he added.

Also, Pashinyan stressed that operative work needs to be done in Armenia with respect to fires. 

“As there are views that the fires are made on purpose,” the PM added. “Police and the NSS [National Security Service] should carry out work here.”