EcoLur
Yasemin Pamuk, Director of the South Caucasus Project of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, speaks about the environmental problems in Armenia and influence of market economy on environmental issues in his interview with EcoLur.
“I can understand that Armenia is in complex state in regard with environment. The statements made by environmental public can witness this. On the other hand, the government policy aimed at mining sphere which leaves place for expecting profits generates public criticism. People perceive this policy as one-sided and not balanced policy. I think that activists are right, as Armenia is a small country, and if intends to become competitive and to achieve successes, then it shouldn’t rely only on one branch and to connect all its expectations only with this branch of economy. I also understood there are problems in regard with public participation in decision making, non-consideration of people’s health and their concerns, risks for environment and preservation of water resources, the wealth of Armenia, where water resources are considered to be strategic reserves and that the government doesn’t pay attention to their significance.”
In the viewpoint of liberalism, the state should play a small, but significant role in market relations securing the protection of game rules so as not to violate anybody’s right. But, unfortunately, these principles are not implemented by 100% in any country, including Germany. In Germany people trust more to the government than their own forces. However, we have to acknowledge that Germany is among the most developed countries in the sense of the rule of law. What about Armenia, not being an expert in legal issues, I can rely on the evaluations and assessments made various international organizations. I can conclude that Armenia hasn’t sill got completely mature for a jural state. The worst thing is that people don’t believe in the making of Armenia a jural state and the rule of law. This is a big problem, as the institutions (promoting market relations) can operate only when there is support of general public.
We are only guests to your country and can make any changes, and there no point in interfering in the home affairs of the country. We would like to share our experience with different layers of public and to get their support in the context of international cooperation with other liberal-democratic forces.
April 19, 2012 at 17:39