December 8, 2009 - 18:01 AMT
National Bureau of Expertises' new building opens in Yerevan
On December 8, 2009, the U.S. Embassy in Armenia and the Government of the Republic of Armenia dedicated the second building of the National Bureau of Expertises, a State Non-Commercial Organization, which was renovated with U.S. Government assistance. U.S. Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch officially transferred the facility to the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Armenia, Aghvan Hovsepyan.

The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Embassy's International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Office, invested over $1,275,000.00 to complete renovations of the facility. The renovation project was carried out by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers using the expertise of local construction company CESCO Ltd. The project included checking the structural integrity of the building, renovation of the first, second and third floors, installation of water and electrical supply, fire alarm and telephone systems. The building is equipped with an elaborate security system, which will ensure controlled access to the laboratories and the security of the evidence. This laboratory will facilitate advanced forensic examination of evidence in criminal and civil cases, supporting justice and the rule of law for the people of Armenia.