EcoLur
Within this week the uranium program implementation process in Armenia was discussed at least for three times. The Armenian Office for War and Peace Reporting held the working meeting of NGOs and journalists on 21 May. "Uranium Phobia" film (produced by EcoLur) ran in the course of this meeting that reflects confrontation of official and leaders of "Armenian-Russian Mining Company" CJSC bearing responsibility for the uranium program implementation and the local population in Syunik Region, independent experts and NGO opposing this program.
"For Sustainable Human Development" Association, the Union of Consumers in Armenia, the Center for Bird Lovers, Youth Environmental Center "Burg" and "EcoLur" NGO didn't change their extremely negative attitude towards the uranium program. Then the meeting continues in Syunik on May 24. A discussion was held at the Aarhus Center in Kapan with the participation of public representatives, Syunik Regional Administration, Kapan Town Hall and the local population.
Meetings were also held in Lernadzor Community with the locals and local administration as its territory is included in the exploration of uranium reserves. The level of social tension in regard to the uranium program is much higher in Syunik. People intent to proceed to signature collecting, and if they have to, they will go out to streets. This is explained by simple reasons. At first, this program was determined to kick off just in Syunik. Secondly, even the first meeting with the program leaders - the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and "Armenian-Russian Mining Company" CJSC, as well as the representatives of the Ministry of Nature Protection of RA in August 2009 showed that the opinion of public was marred in the minutes of this meeting.
It should be noted these very minutes which was included as an official document in the package submitted for the opinion of the State Environmental Inspection of the Ministry of Nature Protection of RA haven't been changed so far, though the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of RA admitted that these minutes have been drawn up incorrectly.
"Uranium Phobia" film was shown and discussed at "Arevordi" Club in the frames of weekly environmental films viewing and afterwards the uranium program was discussed. It should be noted that participants were given the same questions which are considered to be key questions for the uranium program 1. "Whether uranium is dangerous for people's health, if yes, why the film (statements made by the program leaders) touches upon its safety? 2. How will we and the country benefit from the uranium program? 3. Whether we need reliable information and how to get this information?
It should be noted the other day the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources made a speech on Public TV where he touched upon the uranium program as well and stated this to be just an exploration. What about the Ministry of Nature Protection of RA, we got the impression that the Ministry has no connection with this program at all. Nevertheless, it was the Minister of Nature Protection Aram Harutyunyan who signed the agreement on establishing "Armenian-Russian Mining Company" CJSC and the Head of State Environmental Expert Committee of the Ministry of Nature Protection of RA Avetisyan also put his signature under its minutes.
May 28, 2010