The introduction of biometric passports in Armenia caused an unexpectedly heated debate in the parliament. Deputy of the "Armenia" faction in the opposition, Jahm Manukian, compared this event in importance to the Battle of Abuirir - and asked the head of the Ministry of Interior how much the budget would benefit from reducing the passport offices in the republic. Arfin Sargsyan answered: The reduction will be smooth throughout the year, and the old passport offices will continue to operate, but as consultation points for those who register for the new generation documents online. The irony of the deputy is clear: the transition to "biometrics" is presented as a historic event, but questions remain about money and the availability of services.