Kristine Aghalaryan, the Hetq
The Hetq’s interviewee is Kotayk Regional Head Kovalenko Shahgaldyan:
Hetq: Two days ago you met with Chinese “Fortune Oil” Company representatives. What did you discuss?
K. S: There is a problem with land distribution as this territory includes both community and private land areas.
If a project is drawn up, this project must comply with the laws in force in that particular country, including environmental laws. We are happy investments are made into our country and new jobs will be created but this mustn’t be at the expense of our health.
Hetq: You said the Chinese already have a development license. Hasn’t all this taken into account before issuing a license?
K. S: Development license doesn’t give an entitlement to development yet. They must submit a technical project, which will include all solution in it.
Hetq: When will the technical project be ready?
K. S: Under the Chinese, till the end of this year.
Hetq: Why weren’t you present at Hrazdan residents’ protest demonstration?
K. S: Why I should be there?
Hetq: Your people were raising questions. Didn’t’ you want to listen what they wanted?
K. S: I know best of all what our people think of. One shouldn’t speak on people’s behalf and use this argument. People are still not aware of anything. Only partial hearings were conducted in the past.
Hetq: Do you favour mine to be developed?
K. S: Why not? But is doesn’t mean the mine must be developed at the expense of people’s health or by causing damage to our environment.
April 11, 2011