EITI MSG Civil Society Faction has made a statement regarding RA governmental resolution "On Approving Mining Sector Development Strategy and Action Plan Arising from It".
The statement says:
"On August 5-21, 2022, RA government's draft resolution "On Approving Mining Sector Development Strategy and Action Plan Arising from It" was discussed in online format on the e-draft platform (hereinafter the draft). The member organizations of the civil society faction of the EITI Multistakeholder Group (MSG) presented proposals at different times regarding the four versions of the given draft, and also reminded the departments in charge that the strategy and the action plan are subject to a strategic environmental assessment (SEA).
In addition to the working version with previously submitted comments, the recommendations of the civil society faction of the EITI MSG on the last fourth draft were submitted to the Ministry of Territorial Administration of the Republic of Armenia on August 26, 2022, according to the deadline agreed with the latter, but they were not published in the reference posted on the e-draft platform, and no public hearings events were organized in their regard, the reasons for not accepting them were not presented either.
We learned from the mass media that a meeting was held with RA Prime Minister on May 6, where the draft strategy for the development of the mining industry was discussed. A week later, today, on May 11, this document was accepted at the session of RA government, probably reporting that it had passed relevant discussions.
We call on RA executive to ensure the proper implementation of local and international legislation. We are demanding:
• In accordance with Article 38 (1) 1 of RA Law "On Normative Legal Acts" from RA Government, to annul the resolution of RA Government adopted on May 11, 2023 on the grounds of contradicting the Aarhus Convention and RA Law "On Environmental Impact Assessment and Expert Assessment".
• From Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure and Environment Ministry to conduct an EIA and organize appropriate public hearings with the participation of the civil society interest groups, including the civil society faction of the EITI MSG, considering their opinions.
• From Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure to provide an official explanation for illegally advancing the draft of Mining Sector Development Strategy and Action Plan.
EITI MSG Civil Faction Members
Victoria Burnazyan, "EcoLur" Informational NGO
Oleg Dulgaryan, Center for Community Mobilization and Support
Nazeli Vardanyan, "Forests of Armenia" NGO
Anahit Simonyan, Human Rights Research Center
Suren Nersesyan, Yerevan State University
Sona Ayvazyan, Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center".
May 11, 2023 at 12:29