EcoLur
After Mahstots Park, where public civic initiatives defended public interest, only lazy people didn’t ask themselves whether this is probably a new political profess and what this movement can turn into. There is no single opinion on this idea within civic initiatives. We applied to Teghout Supporters Initiative group, which took the most active part in the fight for Mashtots Park. Hrayr Savzyan, Lena Nazaryan and Artur Grigoryan took part in this conversation, they have joined different NGOs, but we asked them to speak as Teghout Supporters.
Hrayr Savzyan, a Teghout supporter, “I can see that civic initiatives can solve only one issue at best. For example, the problem with one land area in Mashtots Park. We are certainly glad (with the victory). At the same time, intensive site development (of green zones) still keep on going in different parts of Yerevan. Nobody protected those parks, reasons are different, but a solution should be found. The same happens in other sectors, for example in mining. We focused on Teghout and we have been dealing with this issue for already 6-7 years. But we can see that other acute issues don’t draw attention, or there are no initiatives dealing with this issue. But there is need, we need to meet more, communicate, speak and exchange knowledge and ideas.”
Artur Grigoryan, a Teghout supporter, “I will take part in this process still there is content. I don’t care whether or not there are political powers in this process and who they are. Moreover, I am sure these initiatives can’t become a separate political power, as there is no single ideology. If initiatives seek to become political power, even of such a process launches, it won’t last long. Separate groups may become a separate power, it’s another issue, but I think that initiatives don’t unite around political process. At this stage we should work with other political powers. Approaches are different and there are competitors. We should work with those who more meet the set goals, for example with state bodies and Ombudsman’s office. Problems should be on the political agenda of the day.”
Lena Nazaryan, a Teghout supporter, “I think that ecology shouldn’t be a common topic for initiatives. I can see that here more critical approach is applied to how environmental tasks should be solved. I can see that sometimes need generates for reforms, and this is the most important matter.”
July 30, 2012 at 02:13