Being unable to pay its International Astronomy Union (IAU) membership fee, Armenia runs the risk of having its membership suspended, Byurakan Observatory Director Hayk Harutyunyan told a news conference. "By losing International Astronomy Union membership, Armenia will be deprived of many benefits -international connections, scientific and financial assistance,'' he emphasized.

According to Observatory Director, currently, because of unsatisfactory funding, Armenian astronomy is facing a real threat of losing its scientific potential and traditions formed during Soviet period.