We Are Against the Operation of the Mine. Amulsar Will Remain a Mountain. Citizen's Decision Party

The Citizen's Decision Party has issued a statement regarding the Amulsar mine. The statement particularly notes: "Staying true to the values, principles, and goals of the Revolution, we declare: The situation surrounding the Amulsar issue now requires a political assessment. Having become acquainted with the results of the study commissioned by the Investigative Committee, we confirm that our concerns about the risks associated with the operation of the mine were valid. The claims that the existing risks can be managed are not credible; the entire study is filled with contradictions and may lead to manipulation.

During a meeting on August 19, 2019, with a group of citizens interested in the issue and during his Facebook live broadcast, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan resorted to such manipulation and presented the study regarding risk management in a highly positive light, almost disregarding its negative aspects. On the same day, the police used disproportionate force against people protesting the operation of Amulsar on Baghramyan Avenue, putting the last democratic achievements at risk.

Our party's opinion on the Amulsar issue is not limited to environmental concerns. The matter must be viewed from several angles: Sovereignty: Our state cannot afford a situation where decisions stem from various external pressures. Democracy: Our goal was to transition from an authoritarian, centralized government to direct democracy, considering the opinions of those directly affected by the decision when making choices. The communities of Jermuk and other affected areas, both at the local government and individual resident levels, have expressed their attitudes toward the opening of the mine; for more than a year, they have blocked access roads to the mine with their bodies. Previously, people were afraid to publicly express their opinions because of various pressures. As a result of the Revolution, people are no longer afraid to voice their vital issues. Under these conditions, we consider it unacceptable to stifle the first sprouts of citizens' expression of will.

The Investigative Committee cannot and should not take on the role of a body dictating policy in the country. Economy: In fact, there is no developed concept for the country's economic development; government statements contradict each other, and the declared economic revolution lacks an intellectual foundation. The government speaks about reducing the role of mining, yet gives carte blanche to the most controversial mining project in Armenia’s history. Therefore, we declare that we are against the operation of the mine. Amulsar will remain a mountain. We call on all parties, individual public figures, political groups, and NGOs to publicly express their positions. We believe that no one has the right to hide behind the decisions of others."