ARKA News Agency, Armenia
March 16 2007

SITUATION IN USA AROUND MINERAL WATER "JERMUK" NEEDS SPECIFICATION

YEREVAN, March 15. /ARKA/. The situation in the USA around mineral
water "Jermuk" needs specification, said RA Deputy Foreign Minister
Arman Kirakosyan, commenting on the prohibition of selling the
mineral water in the USA.
"It is necessary to specify why in the USA there is such a situation
with "Jermuk" after seven years since it has been exported in 2000,"
Kirakosyan said.
"Perhaps only one specific consignment of the mineral water was of
different quality, however, it needs concretization," said
Kirakosyan. He pointed out that reporters should have an essential
role in this issue.
Several days ago the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United
States Department warned the American consumers that the mineral
water "Jermuk" is dangerous for health. The widespread statement said
that, in particular, "during several days the use of arsenic can
affect kidneys, liver, skin, cardiovascular system, and its
continuous usage may lead to cancer and death." After the USA, Canada
and Hong Kong also prohibited the "Jermuk" sale.
The RA Minister of Agriculture and "Jermuk" producers treat it an
unfair competition aiming to withdraw the Armenian mineral water from
the American market. L.M. -0–