EcoLur
The police violently broke up the protest demonstration against Russian VTB bank held by Teghout supporters. The skirmish began when demonstrators just sat on the stairs and blocked the entrance to the bank. The Chairman of Greens Union Armen Dovlatyan was injured, while Mariam Sukhudyan was hit. Demonstrators phoned the Human Rights Defender’s Office, and in a while the Human Rights Defender’s representative Armen Mashyan arrived upon the spot. He listened to activists, said “We will make a decision what to do” and left.
Teghout supporters demand from VTB:
• to stop financing anti-environmental and illegal project in Teghout,
• to publicize the bank environmental standards and names who worked out these standards,
• to stop neglectful attitude towards public, respect and to bring principles of transparency and accountability to life,
• submit clear response to letters sent by environmental organizations and organizations dealing with human rights protection,
“Armenia is being destroyed, wake up!” Mariam Sukhudyab appealed, “We have sent numerous messages to the bank, both in writing and via phone calls. They just neglect public opinion, that’s why they chose this method. We call people not to make use of VTB services if they start funding the Teghout program, not to pay for public utilities as people will indirectly promote destroying Armenia.”
Russian VTB intends to grant АССР Company nearly 300 million USD for developing Teghout copper and molybdenum mine which will result in destroying the ecosystem of Teghout forest, mountain rivers are taken aside, environmentally hazardous buildings are constructed in the territory of nearly 1500 ha.
Before applying to VTB, АССР Company applied to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), but their application was rejected. “At that time АССР applied to VTB which agreed to fund this program having apparently arranged about kickback for clear reasons,” a V. A. told EcoLur who took part in the environmental audit of ACP conducted by English WSP Company by EBRD’s order.
Demonstrators demanded meeting with VTB leaders. Nevertheless, none of company management appeared, except for the bank employees who entered the building stepping on the demonstrators sitting on the stairs (see the photo report).
July 28, 2010