ID cards will replace social security cards in Armenia

YEREVAN, May 22. /ARKA/. Armenian authorities will stop issuing social security cards fr om June 1 when ID cards will be introduced, Hovhanes Kocharian, head of Passports and Visa Department of Police, told a news conference today.

He said social security cards will be replaced gradually by ID cards, but added that getting ID cards will not be mandatory. He said in cases wh ere a citizen will be required to provide an identification number for receiving public services, but does not have an ID card, he may ask police to provide a document certifying his or her ID number which never changes.

He said the database of Nork information and analytical center of the labor and social security ministry that houses part of information on social security cards will be handed to Passport and Visa Department, which will allow to create a single database and simplify the procedure for citizens to obtain these services.

Residents of Yerevan, Gyumri and Vanadzor will be able to get biometric passports and ID cards beginning from June 1.

ID card will contain electronic database established by the law, special cryptographic keys, digital signature and ID certificate. A biometric passport will be valid for five years and an ID for ten years. The passports data will include also two fingerprints, while ID cards will have a photo and electronic signature. M.M. -0-