Panorama.am

20:00 29/01/2007

OFFICIALS DENY BUSINESS TYCOON LEASED LAND IN NATIONAL PARK

The representatives of Grand Holding have started construction at
national parks. According to our sources, Hrant Vardanyan, the
president of the holding, already owns some land in `Jrvej’ park.

The nature protection ministry assures that law does not prohibit
leasing land in national parks if the projects have passed ecological
tests. Ashot Avalyan, nature protection ministry official, however,
assured Hrant Vardanyan does not own any land in `Jrvej’ park.

He said Vardanyan aspires to have land in that area but it is not
clear yet if he can do that. The decision will be taken in a month or
two.

Hrant Vardanyan has, in fact, submitted a project for recovery of
forests and it has passed environmental tests. Respective bodies deny
that he has leased any land there but according to our sources he has
lease contract for 25 years.

Source: Panorama.am