SOS Amulsar Initiative’s Open Letter To Economy Minister Karen Chshm

SOS AMULSAR INITIATIVE’S OPEN LETTER TO ECONOMY MINISTER KAREN CHSHMARITYAN – ECOLUR

16:42 | October 17,2014 | Social

By EcoLur

“Dear Mr. Minister,

At the press conference on 15 October you stated that the factual
implementation of Amulsar open pit mining project will be launched
in early 2015 and presented certain figures, expected investments etc.

We would like to draw your attention to the fact that currently
the documentation package on Amulsar project, including the EIA,
is undergoing environmental expert assessment at “Environmental
Expertise” SNCO of Nature protection Ministry, which hasn’t been
accomplished so far.

The whole process is supposed to have independent nature and Amulsar
project may be issued not positive, but negative opinion, for example,
if the risks outlined in the EIA are underestimated or don’t comply
with reality or pose threats to the strategic interests of the
country. These very risks are laid down in the complaints of 9 public
representatives lodged to the CAO. These two influential financial
institutions are the main investors of Lydian International Company
having submitted Amulsar project into “Environmental Expertise” SNCO.

Thus, your public statement made before the environmental expert
assessment accomplishes, casts doubts both on the relevance and
impartiality of the EIA process on Amulsar project.”

This open letter has been dispatched to the CAO office OF IFC and
EBRD as well.

Signed by

Inga Zarafyan, “EcoLur” Informational NGO

Levon Galstyan, Pan-Armenian Environmental Front

Silva Adamyan, Center for Bird Lovers

Vazgen Galstyan, Center for Jermuk Development

Tehmine Yneoqyan, “Lragir” journalist

Sona Ayvazyan, enviromental policy expert, TIAC deputy director

Artur Grigoryan, “Ecoright” NGO