Responding to public concerns regarding his plan to erect a 33-meter tall statue of Jesus Christ atop Mt. Hatis, some thirty kilometers northeast of Yerevan, businessman Gagik Tsarukyan now says he'll wait to receive all necessary permits before proceeding with any construction.

“Certain work is now being carried out to ensure the supply of infrastructure: roads, electricity, gas, and water. Construction of the monumental statue of Jesus Christ will start only after the positive conclusions of the relevant authorities," reads a statement released by Tsarukyan’s charitable foundation. 

A groundbreaking ceremony for the planned statue was held on Mt. Hatis yesterday, attended by Armenian Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan and Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization Zurab Pololikashvili.