EcoLur
The nature protectors having signed a complaint on Amulsar project lodged to the CAO are calling for directing the funds not to Amulsar mining project, but developing Jermuk National Park. This proposal was voiced at the meeting with the Ombudsman’s team (CAO) in Yerevan.
New developments of Amulsar project were discussed in regard with the expertise proves the EIA undergoes, which local “Geoteam” CJSC has submitted on behalf of Lydian International Company.
Levon Galstyan, “Pan-Armenian Environmental Front” civic initiative member, “We are opposing to Amulsar project, as we would do in case of any other mining project. We consider this project to be hazardous and economically non-beneficial for the country, where only the private companies and people backing them benefit. The territory of Armenia is too small to endure such load. And we want to warn IFC that the people who the negotiation are run with will eventually leave their offices, while new investments made into mining mail fail. The investments should be made into the development of technogenic mines or tailing dumps, which are on the balance of the government and will promote to the development of the country.”
Inga Zarafyan, “EcoLur” NGO President, “We have got the impression that the government is involving both the company and the financial institutions – IFC and EVRD, into its games. Gndevaz villagers applied to EcoLur requesting us to provide them information about the project and our materials on Amulsar. After the public hearings on Amulsar project, the same villagers came to EcoLur’s press club, who were promised compensation of US $ 100,000 or 175,000 and told us they wanted to get this money, but we (the environmentalists) were hindering them. These funds are huge sums for villagers, and the promises about the compensations caused many worries in Gndevaz. At the public hearings we raised the question whether the villagers had been promised such compensations. Geoteam Company replied that they had promised, but they had to discuss this issue with the prime minister.
Then another question arises: why should the PM interfere into the company relations with the villagers? It’s none of his business. In our opinion, such sort of negotiations with the PM in regard with the compensation may impact on the whole process of environmental expertise, as pressure may be exercised on the Nature Protection Ministry. This process must be tracked by the IFC so as to avoid corruption risks. Anna Shahnazaryan, a member of “Teghout Support” civic initiative, “The establishment of “Jermuk” National Park has been discussed for already several years: we have already a governmental resolution on this topic. Amulsar must be included into this environmental zone and money must be invested into its development. This is a good objective and we are calling for directing the efforts to make it come true.”
For their part, САО team noted that they don’t have authorities to close down the program but it’s authorized to present the studies to what extent Amulsar project risks comply with the IFC standards: “The report on the first complaint lodged to the CAO on Amulsar project will be soon ready,” CAO representative Scott Adams said.
October 16, 2014 at 14:00