EcoLur
The question whether or not Nature Protection Ministry knows the legal force of the Minister’s assignment remains open. In regard with Amoulsar project of gold mine, on 4 June EcoLur sent an enquiry to Nature Protection Ministry, which particularly said,
“What kind of legal force does your assignment on holding public hearings about Amoulsar project made on 18 April 2012? Do you think that Jermuk must officially be recognized as Amoulsar project affected zone? Whether the package of documentation on Amoulsar project submitted for expert opinion contains all minutes and expert opinions drawn up under your assignment: Reminder: they were three: 1. Conclusion of scientific-expert committee on Lake Sevan preservation 2. Conducting public hearings in Jermuk 3. Receiving independent expert assessment.”
The reply letter to EcoLur (number 5/33/51476 dated in 12.06.2012) says: “In reply to your enquiry on expanded project of developing Amoulsar gold mine, we would like to inform that the legal ground for holding public discussions on 18 April 2012 is Article 16 (3) of RA Law “On Environmental Impact Expert Assessment”, in accordance with which the competent body is entitled to hold events within its authorities, which don’t contradict with the current legislation in force mandatory for environmental impact expert assessment”. What about the inclusion of the mention documents in the documentation on Amoulsar project, the documentation package will include all the conclusions, minutes, opinions, assessments, remarks and proposals on Amoulsar project.”
June 13, 2012 at 18:54