the city of Yerevan; however, the issue currently has been resolved by the implementation of the internationally award-winning Lebanese "Sanitek" sanitation disposal company, who is now responsible for all garbage disposal in Yerevan. "Sanitek" has replaced former garbage cans and dumpsters in Yerevan with new bins and collects garbage on a 24-hour set schedule. Moreover, discussions are underway to begin construction of a new landfill for an improved method of waste management. Numerous protests took place during Taron Margaryan's first few years in office on behalf of residents living in buildings considered to be dangerous of the 4th-category. They voiced their concerns in front of City Hall. In December 2015, Taron Margaryan handed out keys to new apartments to residents living in the dormitories located on Sisakyan 3, 4, and 127/1, Nor Aresh 35, Artsakh Street 10/2. The latter was the last phase of the resettlement program for families living in category-4 dangerous buildings. As a result of the resettlement program, a total of 650 families were relocated to new apartments. Residents of damaged houses were resettled in the following addresses: 4 Northern 4th Lane No. 15, Bryussov St. 66th home, 4th Lane of Artsakh, and apartments located on 10/5 and 10/2. Taron Margaryan was also criticized by the press for not having served in the army. However, Markaryan's mandatory military service was dismissed due to the fact that he already had 3 children upon graduating university. Taron Margaryan also initiated programs meant to strengthen army-society ties. Since the past few years, permission has been granted for parents in Yerevan to visit their children serving in the army twice a year. Such programs also aid in providing housing for the families of killed soldiers and freedom fighters. During Taron Margaryan's years in office, he intensified Yerevan's international relations with other neighboring and capital cities, organizing mutual visits regularly. Moreover, Yerevan has 24 sister cities. Sister cities are included in the scope of cooperation in trade, science, technology, culture, health, tourism, construction, and other industries. Awards "Homeland Award for Rendered Services" 1st degree Medal (2016); On behalf of the president of the Republic of Nagorno-Kharabagh, "Mesrop Mashtots" Medal (2016); On behalf of the RA Ministry of Education and Science, the highest award "Gold Medal" (2016); "Little Mher’s" Educational Complex "Haykazunakan Glory" Medal (2016); The rector of the Armenian State Pedagogical University, "Khachatur Abovyan" gold Medal (2015); "Patron of the Arts' Medal