Attempt To Legalize Amulsar Project Failed (Photo)

EcoLur

The attempt to legalize Amulsar project has failed, either by its international standards, or the domestic legislation or not allowing the stakeholders to attend the discussion on Amulsar project.

On 30 October the protest demonstration against Amulsar gold mining project was accompanied with the clashes between the police and the protesters. The protest demonstration was directed against the discussion entitled “Local Action Plan on Nature Protection in Jermuk Town” organized by REC Caucasus Armenia in Hayat place Hotel, where the Amulsar gold mining project and the construction of a heap leach facility were discussed. The people gathered in front of Hayat Place Hotel demanded to allow them take part in the discussions and to voice their viewpoint on Amulsar project.

Nevertheless, as it turned out on the spot, the discussion was closed both for the protesters and the journalists. Clashes occurred between the police and the protesters, when the latter attempted to enter the building. Pushing the protesters back, the policemen “cleaned” the hotel entrance area. “We have foreign guests, what will they think about you? Go out! We have guests inside.”

“We have a right to participate in the public discussion and to express our opinion inside,” the protesters urged.

“Local Environmental Action Plan” Project Coordinator Tigran Oganezov came out and declared that, “Upon the initial arrangements, the discussions will be held without any mass media and cameras at this stage so as to have free talks.” Tigran Oganezov mentioned that they treated the protest demonstration normally, as people came to express their complaint.

After speaking with the journalists Tigran Oganezo again went back to the hotel, while the gathered people tried again to enter the hotel. This time the police’s response was harsher – they pulled back the participants.

“Armenian citizens’ message is addressed to the participants of the discussion and not Lydian International or Geoteam Company. We are asking to let in the protesters so as they can voice their message, that’s it. Why is this discussion organized, if the Armenian citizen can’t voice its address?” Pan-Armeniann Environmental Front Member Levon Galstyan asked the policemen. The policemen didn’t give up.

“What are the legal grounds for not letting people in?” the participants asked. Without any legal grounds, the police banned the protesters even to stand on the stairs till the very end.

From inside an instruction was given to allow the journalists to take part in the discussion, but without any cameras. Environmentalist Levon Galstyan was also invited to attend, but he refused saying that he had refused to take part in the discussions from the very beginning. “Our aim was not to take part in the discussion, but to voice our statement to the participants of the discussion and to ban another PR campaign by Lydian International,” Levon Galstyan said.

“They won’t digest it, I will apply to the ECHR, 200 Gndevaz villagers will sue both the company and the government,” said Gndevaz villager Tehmine Yenoqyan, a journalist.
Watch details in the video.

October 31, 2014 at 12:28