FOUR MORE CENTERS OF AARHUS ENVISAGED TO OPEN IN ARMENIA THIS YEAR
Noyan Tapan
Ju ne 18, 2008
YEREVAN, JUNE 18, NOYAN TAPAN. The National Environmental Protection
Conference held in Yerevan on June 18 was dedicated to the assessment
of the implementation of the Aarhus Convention of the UN Economic
Commission of Europe in Armenia, the progess and relevation of
the existing challenges, as well as the discussion of the further
distinct stategy. It was initiated by the RA Ministry of Environmental
Protection together with the OSCE Office in Yerevan.
As Ambassador Sergey Kapinos, the Head of the Office, mentioned,
the Aarhus Convention is an important link between the protection of
human rights and surroundings, as availability of information is an
important factor for the democratic development of society and the
whole country. "I am sure that real achievements can be made only
through united forces and cooperation of all the interested parties:
state, regional and civil society and international community." he
said.
S. Kapinos mentioned that at present 10 centers of Public Environmental
Protection Information of Aarhus are functioning in Armenia. He stated
that four more centers are envisaged to open this year in Stepanavan,
Eghegnadzor, Eghvard and Aparan.
Simon Papian, the RA Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection,
expressed hope that the discussions related to environmental protection
and government problems will have a positive impact on making society
aware of the commitments of Armenia concerning the Aarhus Convention.