Decision to Release Arthur Grigoryan Published Without Justification: 'EcoLur'

The announcement raises eyebrows that the decision to release Arthur Grigoryan was published without justification during a period of active government efforts to bring irresponsible businesses into the legal framework, as stated by the information NGO 'EcoLur'.

We present the full statement below:

“By the decision of the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, Arthur Grigoryan was released from his position as the head of the State Environmental Inspection on January 21.

According to EcoLur, he was one of the few individuals in the new government who possessed willpower. Throughout his tenure as head of the inspection, Arthur Grigoryan acted transparently, principled, objectively, and exclusively within his authority. He continuously engaged in dialogue with professional representatives of the society, forming a platform for cooperation and discussions between the governmental body and the public on solving the problems faced in Armenia. He brought a new quality and working style to the State Environmental Inspection, fully aligning with the spirit of the Velvet Revolution, and contributed to ensuring that political decisions made in the environmental sector were based on accurate facts and assessments, allowing the Republic of Armenia to take another step towards democracy.

It raises questions that the decision to release Arthur Grigoryan was made public without explanation, especially during a time when the State Environmental Inspection was actively working to put irresponsible businesses into the legal framework.

It is noteworthy that the inspection presented new circumstances regarding the Amulsar gold project and proposed to the Ministry of Environment to revoke the environmental conclusion granted to the project and conduct a new environmental examination. Under Arthur Grigoryan’s leadership, the Alaverdi Copper Smelting Plant was fined 380 million drams for environmental damage. 'Armoil' LLC was obliged to refrain from performing any work (activities) related to oil production in the Nati neighborhood of Yeghvard city in Kotayk region until a positive conclusion of the environmental impact assessment and examination is obtained.

To lift Armenia, which had found itself in a chasm due to previous governance, it is necessary for our country's administration to be transparent, responsible, and actively involve the public. Only under these conditions will we achieve the development of the country and an open governance system, for which we have cast our votes.”