AZG Armenian Daily #111, 17/06/2005
Ecology
‘IF THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE, NO ROAD WILL PASS THROUGH SHIKAHOGH’
Decision to Construct Road Through Shikahogh Declined
“The news that the government has reconsidered the decision to
construct a road through Mtnadzor and discusses the alternatives
submitted by NGOs, isn’t checked yet,” Karine Danielian, chairwoman of
For the Humanity’s Sake Association, member of SOS Shikahogh working
group, said.
According to the circulating news, RA President signed a decree
on constructing a road through Shikahogh. It was sent to relevant
ministries, but soon it was recalled.
The trustworthiness of this news will be proven during the large
discussion at the American University of Armenia. The specialists from
RA Transport and Ecology Ministries, as well as from RA parliament
and other relevant bodies are invited to participate in the discussion.
Notwithstanding the supposed wise decision of the authorities, they
are violating our right for being informed about issues of public
importance and participating in taking decisions. This right is
defined by RA Legislation and the Aarhus Convention.
Armenia Tree Project American program that is carrying out large-scale
tree planting in the regions of Armenia since 1994 unfolded a new
action in the Internet for saving Shikahogh. Stating that thanks to
the interference of NGOs and Diaspora, the program to construct a road
through Shikahogh is interrupted for several weeks, the Armenian Tree
Project announces: “We still want to be sure that this road will not
pass through the state preserve,” and calls for joining the rescue
action of Shikahogh also in the Internet.
Hakob Sanasarian, head of the Green’s Union, informed daily Azg about
the details of his conversation with RA Transport Ministry. “We are
Armenians and we should preserve our sanctuaries. Shikahogh is one
of them. If there is no alternative suggestion, the road will not
pass through Shikahogh,” Andranik Manukian said.
By Karine Danielian
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress