There is no de jure basis to prohibit the operation of the Amulsar mine, says Pashinyan

The Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, stated that in order to make a decision regarding the Amulsar issue, it is essential to obtain a definitive answer to one question: is the operation an ecological disaster or not? He emphasized the importance of pursuing the truth until the end on this matter.

Pashinyan spoke about this during a meeting with reporters in Los Angeles. In response to the question of whether there is a final decision regarding Amulsar, Pashinyan replied, "My greatest misfortune in this matter is that everyone already has their own opinion, regardless of everything. Some say that Amulsar is a mountain and it must remain so, even if the world collapses, while others say that the world can collapse, but Amulsar must be operated. I am saying something different; I believe we must be honest with both the Armenian public and the international community, and we must go after the truth until the end. Now, whether it is an ecological disaster or not, I must obtain an answer to this question de jure and de facto," said Pashinyan.

The Prime Minister noted that there will be people who will react, questioning whether it is not clear. In Pashinyan's opinion, it is indeed not clear. "Yes, we understand that there are problems. I am saying one thing: we must be honest. This is a very important issue economically, ecologically, in every respect. I have never framed the question as whether to open the mine or not; I have said that we must pursue the truth to the end. I have also told the representatives of 'Lydian Armenia' that if it turns out that it is indeed possible to operate the mine according to the standards they claim, I will support them, but if it is not possible, it is out of the question that I would support it," he added.

Pashinyan expressed that he is concerned that some people insist it must be opened without question, while others say it must not be opened. He does not share either viewpoint. "An informed decision must be made. I do not agree with the notion that the decision should be based on who exerted more pressure; the government should make a decision based on that. I have never acted under pressure and will not do so, regardless of everything. My position is clear – we must be honest with both the Armenian and the international community. And to be honest, we must go after the truth to the end," Pashinyan stressed.

He noted that there is still no final decision. Currently, there is no de jure basis to prohibit the operation of the Amulsar mine. "It could become clear in half an hour that such a basis has emerged, and if it does emerge, we have no interest in keeping it open; we will close it. But if not, just because there is pressure on the government, we will not close it. Many claim that the government is allowing the mine to operate. The operation of the mine has long been permitted; if we have grounds and reasons to prohibit it, we should, but if we do not, on what basis are we prohibiting it? The decision must be legal," the Prime Minister concluded.