ArmInfo.The process of community consolidation will continue in Armenia. At its plenary session on June 17, the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia will discuss amendments to the law "On Administrative-Territorial Division," submitted by the RA government for the second reading.
According to RA Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan, the municipalities of Stepanavan, Goris, and Yeghegnadzor are planned to be consolidated. The consolidated municipality of Stepanavan will include 20 settlements from the current municipalities of Stepanavan, Gyulagarak, and Lori Berd.
The municipality of Goris will unite 28 settlements from the current municipalities of Goris, Tatev, and Tegh. The Yeghegnadzor municipality will include 32 settlements from the municipalities of Yeghegnadzor, Areni, and Yeghegis.
The document outlines the procedure for holding elections to the Council of Elders in the enlarged communities. Following the publication of the law, the powers of the current Council of Elders will be terminated within five days.
The minister noted that after the enlargement, the number of communities in Armenia will reach 64, 57 of which will be enlarged. Khudatyan emphasized that the process of community enlargement will not be implemented in seven communities, including Yerevan, Gyumri, and five communities populated by ethnic minorities. The aim of municipal enlargement is to reduce administrative costs and implement larger-scale development programs. The enlargement process itself is not mechanical.
