The government of Armenia will compensate 50% of the utility payments for gas, power and irrigation water to the residents of border villages starting January 1, 2015.

As the Territorial Administration Minister Armen Yeritsyan stated at a cabinet sitting, the villagers will also be exempted from the land and property taxes. To benefit from the government’s move are the residents of 32 rural communities in Tavush, Ararat, Gegharkunik and Vayots Dzor provinces, Armenia Today said.