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The controlled explosion of the Yerevan Printing House has caused a wave of protest of Yerevan residents. The building is the most recent old structure in Yerevan that has been demolished: a building that is a part of the history of Yerevan.

In addition to expressing dissatisfaction in social networks the citizens have also applied to the government.

For instance architect Arsen Karapetyan has applied to the aids of Prime Minister claiming that “Yerevan has no municipal authority.”

“One of the best buildings in Yerevan, namely a part of old Yerevan Printing House located in the intersection of Hanrapetutyan and Vardanants streets has been demolished. The building was constructed in 1920s and was well preserved.

I have turned to you as you deal with cultural issues, urban planning, tourism, human rights, healthcare and environment protection.”

“Yesterday at night I was informed about the explosion of Yerevan Printing House. Unfortunately the building was not included in the list of cultural and historical values and had an owner who had decided to demolish it and to build another building,” RA Minister of Culture Armen Amiryan told the reporter during a briefing after “Welcome To Armenia 2016” Armenian tourism forum.

Regarding the claims made by reporters considering the building a historical and cultural value, he stated the following: “I disagree with that claim. The building was not that valuable otherwise it would be included in the heritage of cultural and historical values. Yes, it is not right to destroy old Yerevan and the responsible people should be punished. What has been left today to be protected? I am sorry for the explosion of the Yerevan Printing House, as I grew up on that street. But we can do nothing as that decision was made by its owner.”