Recognizing Nikol Pashinyan, I Understand His Heart is in the Shares of 'Lydian': Postanjyan

After the events of April-May 2018, the general public and the government are facing a systemic revolutionary decision-making issue for the first time. This statement was released by the 'Yerkir Tsirani' party.

The statement reads: 'The question of whether to exploit or cease operations at the Amulsar mine is on the agenda of the wider public and the government. The resolution of this issue involves systemic problems. The general public and the affected communities—residents of Jermuk, Gndevaz, and Kechut in the Vayots Dzor region of Armenia—are opposed to the exploitation of the Amulsar mine. The Armenian government, having substantial evidence and arguments, is still hesitating to give a definitive 'no' to the operation of the Amulsar mine.'

The Amulsar issue is a real watershed that can sever the ties between an authoritarian regime and the government in the Armenian statehood, potentially provoking a profound democratic process in public-government relations and formulating an independent economic policy that is not based on the supremacy of mining. The Amulsar exploitation deal is an evident corrupt transaction. The parties to this transaction include the former government represented by President Serzh Sargsyan and the current government represented by President Armen Sargsyan.

Armen Sargsyan has hidden his position and powers at 'Lydian', where he was a director with extensive authority and had the right to make decisions at the shareholders' meeting. Sargsyan has not transparently reported to the public regarding his citizenship issue, which he has assumed while violating the law. Nikol Pashinyan, who previously raised the citizenship issue, has also not provided evidence to the public. Pashinyan has merely explained that he met with Armen Sargsyan and saw some document.

It is evident and indisputable that the permission to exploit Amulsar was granted as a result of corrupt dealings, and there is no other opinion that this matter should be investigated by the law enforcement agencies. The incomprehensible and perplexing reality is that Nikol Pashinyan, who declared himself revolutionary, avoided conducting this discussion—which concerns the wider public—in an open forum, broke his promise to go to Jermuk and hold discussions there, and preferred to have the meeting at Baghramyan 26, a symbol of dictatorship, behind closed doors, turning Baghramyan Avenue into a site of violence once again. Such a continued demonstration of behavior from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will substantiate that he too assumes a position in favor of this corrupt transaction and joins the ranks of previous dictators.

The use of dictatorial symbols and instruments to gain power, speaking only for an hour and a half on a vital issue as a shareholder and lawyer of 'Lydian', and ignoring the catastrophe of opening the Amulsar mine for the nation and the state proves that the Prime Minister of Armenia, who implemented what he dubbed a non-violent, velvet, colorless revolution, has experienced his first significant failure. Recognizing Nikol Pashinyan, I understand that his heart is in the shares of 'Lydian'. Knowing the Armenian nation, I know our heart is in the mountains.