As a result of the holiday lighting works on the Republic Square in Yerevan, significant damage is caused to the monument buildings, which are part of the symbolic ensemble of the architectural heritage of Soviet Armenia, which have the status of a monument of national importance, according to a statement released by the Chamber of Architects of Armenia.

The statement reads in part:

"The Chamber of Architects of Armenia expresses concern and requires clarification from the Yerevan City Hall, which initiated the process, as well as from the authorized body responsible for the protection of heritage, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, in particular, we wonder if there is a positive conclusion of the Scientific-Methodological Council of the Ministry of Architecture of Armenia, which is an advisory body of the department, regarding the ongoing project on the lighting?

The Chamber believes that it is necessary to value and preserve not only the architecture of Tamanian structures of the most important urban hub of the capital, but also the handiwork of Armenian stonemasons.

The Chamber of Architects of Armenia demands the immediate cessation of the works and the adoption of measures to restore the original appearance of the protected buildings of exceptional value, as well as the proper prosecution of those who cause damage to buildings-monuments".

There are photos spread in the Internet which show how the buildings of the Republic Square in Yerevan are damaged after the lighting, which aroused the anger of many citizens.