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At the outgoing session in Gyumri today, the government approved the draft law on supplementing the RA Law on Making Addendum to the Law of the Republic of Armenia "On RA Holidays and Remembrance Days".

As a result of the Government-sponsored initiative, December 7 is set to be marked as the Day of Commemoration of the Earthquake Victims and Disaster Resistance.

December 7 may be celebrated as a day of remembrance for victims of earthquake and disaster relief.

According to Acting Minister of Emergency Situations Felix Tsolakyan, taking into consideration that December 7, according to Article 15 of the RA Law "On Holidays and Remembrance Days of the Republic of Armenia", is dedicated to the memory of the 1988 Spitak earthquake victims. Also, taking into account the general direction of the measures to be envisaged by the PM’s draft resolution "On Approving the Plan for Conducting Disaster Resistance Day” December 7 will also  be marked as the Day of Disaster Resistance.
Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan inquired whether he had understood it correctly that by the decision it was envisaged to continually increase the disaster resistance level in Armenia and have it become public consciousness within the framework of administration programs.

"In fact, we also need to work out a strategy of activities to be implemented in that direction," he emphasized.

Acting Minister of Emergency Situations confirmed, adding that it had also an aim of internationalization.
"The countries that participated in rescue operations during the disaster expressed readiness to mark this day as a day of remembrance and disaster prevention in their countries as well. There are already examples at the US level, " he said.

Felix Tsolakyan noted that the devastating earthquake killed more than 25 thousand people, leaving more than 15 thousand disabled, and over 500 thousand - homeless. Within minutes, large-scale destructions were recorded in Spitak, Leninakan, Kirovakan and other cities.

The whole world responded to that tragedy. More than 113 countries and 7 international organizations provided support and assistance to Armenia.