Yesterday's blast in Nairit CJSC came as a shock for the plant's leadership, since the last monitoring showed positive results. "Checkups and monitoring were carried out within established time-limits and in compliance with RA legislation and international norms," Nairit CJSC's General Director Vahan Melkonyan told journalists today.

According to him, the plant's insurance system is still in effect, so the damage caused will be compensated through investing the company's own resources and involving shareholders. As regards compensating the families of those who died, the General Director characterized their loss irretrievable, "We'll do everything possible to assist the families of those who died in the blast," he said.

Mr. Melkonyan added that dismantlement of the damaged sector will start within 4-5 days, and only thereafter will it be possible to estimate the damages which, according to the General Director, will not be grave. Over the past year, the plant has carried out considerable work towards ensuring security, he said. "We had absolutely no intention to invite you [journalists] here to show this situation."