EcoLur
On 12 February “Uranium Phobia” documentary was first presented at the Acopian center for the Environment of the American University of Armenia with its follow-up discussion. The topic of the film is the clash of interests among the uranium project implementators in Armenia and the local population and public bodies. The uranium project is implemented by “Armenian-Russian Mining Company” (ARMC) CJSC.The shares of this company are divided into two (50%/50%) between the Armenian Government represented by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and Russian nuclear giant “Atomrarecopgold” Company, a part of more influential “Rosgosatom” Corporation.
Among the project heads are Areg Galstyan, Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of RA, and RA NAS cademician Sergey Grigoryan, a well-known geochemist, Scientific Supervisor of the uranium project.
Almost two-hour-long discussion with the participation of more than 70 people pointed out that the official bodies and public have few points of contact concerning the reasonability of the uranium project implementation in Armenia.
The issues raised in the course of discussions were about the rights of those people who have to select, whether to leave everything and go away in order to save children from uranium proximity, or stay and wait for any guarantees. The officials left all these issues without any certain answers. The representative of the Ministry of Nature Protection of RA expressed an opinion that people in Syunik probably want to sell their houses at higher prices. The representative of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources only promised to take into consideration the public opinion and independent expert assessments. While the Office for Human Rights Defender refused to send its representative to the discussions.
The main public opponent is the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of RA. Nevertheless, it should be reminded, that the agreement on setting up“Armenian-Russian Mining Company” (ARMC) CJSC was singed by RA Minister of Nature Protection Aram Harutyunyan. Until April 2008 this very department was in charge of natural resources then they were handed over to the Ministry of Energy.
The film shows shots of ARMC agreement signature where Aram Harutyunyan states, that everything is implemented in accordance with the environmental legislation. In the course of the film presentation it was outlined that the first violation was made by the Minister of Nature Protection who didn’t conduct any public discussions of this agreement needed according to the Aarhus convention provision ratifief by Armenia.
The President of “Khoustoup” NGO (Syunik Marz) Vladik Martirosyan made a speech on the behalf of the population in Kapan and Lernadzor communities. The prospecting of the uranium reserves is being conducted on the territories of the abovementioned communities.
“Armenian-Russian Mining Company” CJSC started an investigation of the uranium mines in Syunik Marz. 4 settlements of Lernadzor Community out of 9 appeared to be located on the investigation site. “Uranium” word already causes anxiety and concern. The regional population hears “uranium” for several months and doesn’t know what is going on next to them.We are not against the economic development of our country and expansion of ties with other countries to occupy a firmer position in this world. We just want to know how much it will cost us. Our future is endangered. We must insure our tomorrow. Economic development of the country is doomed to failure without human potential”. This statement of “Azatamart” Committee’s (Kapan) was given to the representatives of the Ministry of Nature Protection RA and the Ministry of Energy and Nature Recourses RA.
February 23, 2010