YEREVAN, July 23 – The Armenian government has approved the allocation of approximately 43 million drams (around $118,000 USD) for asphalt paving of a 4,000 square meter area adjacent to the “Meridian” Exhibition Center in Yerevan. The decision was made during a government meeting on July 23.
Preparations for COP17 Underway
These funds are designated for preparatory work ahead of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, which is slated to take place at the Meridian Exhibition Center in October.
The allocated amount will be drawn from the Government’s reserve fund, underscoring the importance of the upcoming international event for the country.
Significance of COP17 for Armenia
The Convention on Biological Diversity is a multilateral treaty that has three main goals: the conservation of biological diversity; the sustainable use of its components; and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. Hosting COP17 is a significant opportunity for Armenia to highlight its efforts in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development on an international platform.
The Meridian Exhibition Center, a prominent venue in Yerevan, will serve as the central hub for the conference, accommodating delegates, experts, and policymakers from around the world. The asphalt paving project aims to enhance the infrastructure surrounding the center, ensuring smooth access and a welcoming environment for all participants.
Broader Context: Other News from July 23, 2026
While preparations for COP17 are in full swing, other significant events unfolded in Armenia on July 23, 2026. These include:
- Political Developments: Bagrat Srbazan commented on the opinion of UN experts regarding the “Holy Struggle” case, calling it a “major blow to the authorities.”
- Regional Security: Artak Zakaryan stated that the Middle East and neighboring countries, including Armenia, have been turned into a “powder keg.”
- Sports Achievements: Armenian Grandmaster Levon Aronian won the “Biel Chess Festival 2026” tournament.
- Economic Insights: Hetq.am reported on the cement market in Armenia, revealing details about the volumes of “Araratcement” and “Shincement.”
- Military Incidents: The Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor Office reported 30 deaths of servicemen in the Armenian Armed Forces during the first seven months of 2026.
- Corruption Scandals: Hraparak.am reported a new scandal in the Investigative Committee involving the embezzlement of funds.
- Legal Proceedings: The Investigative Committee clarified why the pavilions of the “Arinj Mall” shopping center were sealed.
- Parliamentary Affairs: Artur Sargsyan will remain under house arrest but will participate in National Assembly sessions.
- Tragic Crime: Two brothers, aged 25 and 20, allegedly killed their mother with a rolling pin and hid her body.
- Judicial Decisions: Administrative supervision will be applied to Igor Sargsyan, accused in the “18 Righteous” case.
- Religious and Political Relations: The Catholicos of All Armenians was not invited to the inaugural session of the National Assembly.
- Human Rights: Human rights defenders stated that “the head of the OSCE should be a protector of rights, not a supporter of violations.”
- Court Proceedings: Judicial sessions in the Bagrat Srbazan case resumed after a 1-month break.
- Parliamentary Leadership: The leaders and secretary of the “Armenia” faction were announced.
- Social Initiatives: The “100 Armenian Women” initiative issued a public call to “break this chain of silence.”
- Legal Measures: Karapetyan was chosen as a preventive measure to prohibit absence and a 1 billion dram bail.
- Real Estate: It will be possible to buy a house remotely in Armenia without notarization.
- Military Arrests: Two servicemen arrested after Narek Torosyan’s death were taken into custody.
- International Incidents: A Turkish cargo ship that left Russia was attacked in the Black Sea, with one casualty reported.
These diverse news items illustrate a busy day in Armenia, encompassing political, economic, social, and international events, alongside the crucial preparations for the COP17 conference.
Source: https://golosarmenii.am/arm/%D4%B5%D6%80%D6%87%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B4-cop17-%D5%AB-%D5%B6%D5%A1%D5%AD%D5%A1%D5%BA%D5%A1%D5%BF%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%BD%D5%BF%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%B6-%D5%A1%D5%B7%D5%AD%D5%A1%D5%BF%D5%A1%D5%B6/
