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Fwd: Hetq: Bekor Papazyan - A Victim Of State Mining Interests

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  • Fwd: Hetq: Bekor Papazyan - A Victim Of State Mining Interests

    BEKOR PAPAZYAN - A VICTIM OF STATE MINING INTERESTS
    Edik Baghdasaryan

    http://hetq.am/eng/articles/1770/
    16:55, June 1, 2011

    Bekor Papazyan, Executive Director of Armenia's National
    Competitiveness Foundation, has tendered his resignation effective
    June 15.

    A Hetq source within the government says that Mr. Papazyan, rather
    than voluntarily leaving the post, is being forced out, a victim of
    mining interests at the Tatev Monastery.

    Readers will note that Hetq reported that a Chinese firm had obtained
    mining rights to the iron mine located in Svarants, in proximity to
    the Tatev Monastery in southern Armenia.

    It seems that Papazyan and a number of benefactors who had invested in
    the "Tatev Rebirth" tourist program were caught off-guard by the news
    that mining operations would be starting up so close to the Tatev site.

    It seems that no one in government saw fit to inform Papazyan and
    the others in advance.

    Papazyan issued a public statement arguing that mining and cultural
    tourism cannot be conducted at the same place at the same time;
    in a word they are mutually exclusive.

    This ruffled the feathers of those within the government strongly
    pushing for extensive exploitation of Armenia's natural resources.

    When Hetq asked Mr. Papazyan whether the Tatev flap had anything to
    do with his resignation, he refused to answer.

    Just last week the Competitiveness Foundation's Board issued a
    statement praising Papazyan for the important contributions he has
    made during his tenure as executive director and particularly noting
    strides made in the tourism and health sectors.

    While we can't say who will assume the helm of the Competitiveness
    Foundation, rest assured that the individual appointed will express
    his or her full support for the mining operation at Tatev.


    From: Baghdasarian
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