ArmInfo.Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan declined to answer the question about the possible cessation of flights with Italy due to the spread of the coronavirus in the country.
So, on February 24, during a joint press conference with Slovakian Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak, when asked whether it is planned to stop air communication with Italy in connection with the spread of the virus, Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, in particular, said: "Coronavirus is a challenge for all states, and ways to monitor the situation and warnings must be sought together. We worked and are closely working with the government of China, Iran, and other partners to find a way out of the situation. Moreover, under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister Nikola Pashinyan is meeting a commission to develop concrete steps. "
At the same time, he assured that, of course, the situation in Italy was also in the spotlight. "Here it is also necessary to decide what steps are needed to jointly overcome the challenge, protect our own population and prevent the spread of the virus," the Foreign Minister noted, adding that the loss of time is fraught with serious consequences.
The day before, Armenia decided to close the air and land communication with Iran for two weeks in connection with the spread of the coronavirus in Iran.
Today it became known about the spread of the virus in Italy. According to the latest authorities, the number of people infected with the 2019-nCov coronavirus exceeded 150 in Italy. The Patriarchate of Venice (Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church) announced the abolition of all Masses, including the coming "ashen Wednesday", marking the beginning of the Great Lent before Easter according to the Catholic calendar. As specified, this decision, which relates to Sunday services, was made in connection with the spread of the coronavirus and the order of the Veneto region authorities to suspend any public activities.