EcoLur
The matter of Amulsar must be examined thoroughly and the Armenian Government shall discuss it with the communities in detail: this is what the UN Special Rapporteur on Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association Clément Nyaletsossi Voule said at the press release held at the UN Armenia office on 16 November. The press release was dedicated to the freedom of peaceful assemblies and associations in Armenia.
During his visit to Armenia, Clément Nyaletsossi Voule visited Vayots Dzor region and had a meeting with the citizens fighting against Amulsar gold mining project. In reply to EcoLur's question, how he assesses the situation in Amulsar area, the UN Special Rapporteur said, 'It was very important for me to see how the protesters are. I have listened to a number of their concerns, as well as we have received complaints on threats in writing, but I couldn't see such a thing during my visit. I could see protesters having peacefully blocked the access to the mine. I can't speak from any certain attitude now, as a thorough examination is needed for this. In my opinion, in such cases, the government shall carry out genuine consultations with the communities so as such projects to comply with the principles of human rights.'
'Lydian International has received an advance under the term loan of US$3 million, which will be used by the Company to make certain expenditures as it continues to work towards removing the illegal blockades at the Amulsar Gold Project.' In reply to EcoLur's question whether this is not pressure and a threat towards the Armenian Government and the citizens conducting protest demonstrations in Amulsar, the UN Special Rapporteur said, 'On the one hand, it can be damage if there is a damage, and a violation of right, on the other hand. It needs to be examined to understand what it means and whether there is a violation of a right.'
Speaking about the Armenian post-revolutionary situation, Clément Nyaletsossi Voule mentioned that Armenia is undergoing a democratic transition before the parliamentary elections. According to him, the velvet revolution in Armenia should be acknowledged as a new opportunity, to have an independent judicial system which will be trusted by people. Under his assessment, Armenia preserves the revolution value.
Clément Nyaletsossi Voule informed that the final report of his visit, the assessment of the situation and proposals will be finalized in June 2019.
November 16, 2018 at 14:44