VIDEO: Cigarette Law Changes Won't Affect People Smoking Chibukh in Villages, Gevorg Gorgisyan

Gevorg Gorgisyan, a member of the 'Bright Armenia' faction, commented on the draft law regarding the 'Reduction and Prevention of Health Damage Caused by the Use of Tobacco Products and Their Alternatives.' He stated that if a law is being discussed, all sides need to be taken into account.

The parliamentarian mentioned that he does not smoke, has never smoked, and does not plan to smoke in the future. However, he noted that when it is said that smoking is always harmful, there comes a certain age when doctors actually encourage smoking due to health issues caused by a lack of nicotine.

'We were given papers with nice words written on them, but with no numbers. We are discussing a law whose consequences are important,' he said.

As Gorgisyan pointed out, his father died of lung cancer. When he was around 60 years old, he tried to quit smoking, but developed health issues, and doctors advised him to continue smoking.

'You do not have data on who smokes by age, gender, regions, or in Yerevan, because if prohibiting smoking in Yerevan's cafes might affect smoking, then in villages, those who smoke chibukh will not be affected at all,' the parliamentarian stated, adding that it is unclear what chibukh smokers will start smoking as a result of an increase in cigarette prices, and the consequences are unpredictable.

Gorgisyan cited the experience of Georgia, where people started smoking certain types of tobacco, while in Russia, the black market has increased under similar restrictions.

Talking about stores, he mentioned that if the turnover of 10 billion drams in regions decreases, those shops may go bankrupt. 'We need to think about the interests of businesses as well, because, ultimately, even the minister receives a salary from the amount they pay in taxes,' the parliamentarian said, also reminding that Armenia is a tobacco-exporting country.

'I am in favor of a healthy lifestyle, I personally engage in sports, but this should be encouraged and not create problems for everyone without solving the main issue,' Gorgisyan concluded his remarks.