Vayots Dzor Regional Administration recognized the operation of “Argamik” Company illegal which introduced into the village heavy machinery for copper reserve prospecting in the territory of Ketchout. “The works were conducted without Yelpin Aldermen’s Council consent and in the absence of land allotment agreement,” says the written conclusion of Vayots Dzor Regional Administration (number 01/10/4011-10) thus violating the provisions of RA Law “On Territorial Administration” (Article 16, Part 1, para. 2). By the way, the reply of Supervisory Chamber of Armenian President addressed to Yelpin residents (letter numbered 20-7199 dated on 16.09.2010) signed by Second Department Head Papoyan says that “Argamik” Company operates in accordance with the requirements of the national legislation. Though at present the company took out heavy machinery of the village, its residents keep on worrying that the company and its patrons would get what they want and would resume their activities. The main problem they are worried about is water supply to the village, as water springs are located in the territory of would–be mine development territory. Besides, these places are famous for their unique nature and biodiversity. Animals registered in Red Book of Armenia are found here. “Our places were and are famous for hunting and we can frequently hear shooting. We don’t go near, as we can be hurt with machine gun bullets,” say old residents. From its side, EcoLur applies to Nature Protection Ministry of Armenia and WWF Armenia with a proposal to discuss the issue of that particular territory for the preservation of rare and disappearing species and to include this territory in the network of specially protected territories of Armenia. 13.01.2011

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