The Chamber of Architects of Armenia Concerned About Vermishyan's Arrest

The Chamber of Architects of Armenia has issued a statement regarding the arrest of the Chairman of the Urban Development Committee, Vahagn Vermishyan, on corruption-related suspicions.

“In light of the recent developments, particularly the publicized fact of the arrest of Vahagn Vermishyan on suspicion of involvement in corrupt activities, the Chamber of Architects of Armenia expresses its deep concern, considering this a significant moral blow to the reputation of the professional community. We are convinced that this matter will receive an impartial legal assessment and deem all cases and phenomena of abuse of office by our colleagues holding public positions, both in the past and even more so in the new Armenia, unacceptable and condemnable,” the statement reads.

“To prevent such incidents in the future, we urge the government of Armenia to heed the concerns and recommendations repeatedly voiced by the Chamber of Architects of Armenia and its members, and to swiftly initiate comprehensive reform efforts aimed at resolving these issues.”

The Chamber of Architects of Armenia, as a broad coalition representing professionals unified by the principle of self-regulation—architects and engineering constructors—expresses its readiness to participate and assist in discussions and efforts directed at addressing professional issues within the state administration and local self-government bodies, within the framework of its responsibilities as outlined by the Law on Architectural Activities and legislation in general. At the same time, we announce that the chamber is prepared to present its own vision aimed at bringing the sector out of crisis, as well as to develop a roadmap for short-term and long-term reforms.