Armenian oligarch plans global ceremony for Christ monument opening PHOTO

Armenian oligarch and Prosperous Armenia Party leader Gagik Tsarukyan has announced plans to establish a working group to organise the opening ceremony of the Christ statue under construction in Armenia, describing the monument as a new symbol of the nation's revival, Panorama reports.

The outlet said, according to Tsarukyan, the group would also be responsible for arranging the reception of guests expected to attend the inauguration from around the world.

Earlier, Prosperous Armenia spokesperson Iveta Tonoyan said construction of the monument was continuing, although delays could arise due to the inactivity of the Multi Stone plant, which supplies the cladding material for the project.

In a message released while in detention, the arrested leader of Prosperous Armenia made it clear that in recent days he had often found himself thinking about the construction site at the foot of the statue.

It was during these reflections, he said, that he came up with the idea of creating a working group to oversee preparations for the monument's opening ceremony and the reception of international visitors.

"I have a deep, unwavering feeling that the construction of this statue will open a new, bright chapter for our country," Tsarukyan stressed.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov