There is No Option to Not Extend the State of Emergency: Prime Minister

The Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, is touring the park at Republic Square. He is engaging with citizens and stated, "During the coronavirus, we can avoid handshakes, keep distance, and not gather closely together." The Prime Minister also noted that there is no option to not extend the state of emergency.

Upon seeing a group of citizens without masks, Pashinyan inquired why they were not wearing them. He urged everyone to consider the health of themselves, their relatives, friends, and elderly people. "God forbid there be a virus, and you all get infected and spread it to your family members," said Pashinyan, adding, "Until you get infected, you claim the virus is fabricated." He asked people to keep their distance and wear masks. "A decision may also be made to fine those who are in the streets without masks," emphasized Pashinyan.

In response to a citizen's question about whether banks have the right to demand money from borrowers, Pashinyan stated that during this period, a loan deferral has been granted to 500,000 people. "Today, all those who have proper working relationships with their banks are met with understanding by the banks. He asked for five examples of bank abuses to address the issue. "I will personally read and familiarize myself with them," noted the Prime Minister.

Another citizen inquired about reducing bank interest rates. "In 2018, a law was passed that waived penalties, 125,000 people had their credit histories cleared, and 13 billion drams in penalties were waived," Pashinyan recalled.