EcoLur
Non-participation of town authorities in the rally against Hrazdan mine development by Chinese Fortune Oil Company remained a mystery. The rally held on 31 March by Hrazdan-based NGOs and the Aarhus Center in Hrazdan was participated not only by Hrazdan residents, but also by guests from Yerevan, mass media, and even the police who were there to keep order. Only local authorities stayed still, though the rally was held straight under their windows. “Where is Mayor? Why he hasn’t turned up to answer our questions,” asked Hrazdan residents. They were also concerned with the question why there was no electricity supply and speech makers had to hold the rally without any microphones.
Hrazdan Mayor Aram Danielyan answered to this and EcoLur’s other questions, “Two young men and Anahit (he meant Hrazdan Aarhus Center Coordinator Anahit Mnacakanyan) and told me they were going to hold a rally. I asked them how I could help them, they said nothing, we just need you permission to hold a rally on Constitution square. I said no problem and asked if there is any need for my participation. They said no. Now you can understand me I am not the organizer of this rally so as to set up speakers and to supply with electricity.
At the same time Hrazdan Aarhus Center Coordinator Anahit Mnacakanyan in her interview with EcoLur said that before the rally she had a meeting with the Mayor where the latter asked her how he could help. We said everything is in order, we just need electricity. He said no problem. When we asked whether the Mayor was invited, Mnacakanyan answered, “We didn’t invite him, but the rally was open, if he wanted, he could take part in.”
April 04, 2011