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Armenians will fight against uranium mining

Controversy Surrounds Plans for Uranium Mine in Armenis Asbarez.com By Asbarez Staff on Dec 3rd, 2009

GHAPAN, Armenia (Eurasianet)–A protest movement against a planned Russian-Armenian uranium mine in southern Armenia appears to be picking up steam, with
discussions underway with three political parties about a partnership.

The mine, a 50-50 joint venture between Armenia and Russia, will be located in the mineral-rich region of Syunik, already the home to two copper and molybdenum mining operations……………….

But local residents, including inhabitants of the nearby regional capital, Kapan, and the mining town of Kajaran fear the consequences. Expressing concern about chances for a spike in cancer rates and genetic mutations once uranium mining starts, the head of the Greens’ Union of Armenia, Hakob Sanasarian, called the project “a disaster for both the local and the national population.”

The director of a local Karabakh War veterans’ rights group agreed. “If they start mining uranium, we will fight using all possible methods,” Khoren Harutiunian declared. “We will even block the roads.”

Discussions are being held with three prominent political parties about an alliance to block the mine, …………The anti-mine movement also plans to start a letter-writing campaign to government officials this week; some 2,000 Kapan residents have already joined the protest, they claim………….

The head of the Lernadzor community administration, however, contends that public discussions are not enough. “How can I support such activities if all this results in is people wanting to leave the village?” asked Stepan Petrosian. “I don’t know even whether I should finish building my house or not. Will my grandchildren ever live here?”

For now, that question remains unanswered, but the fear about the mines hangs on. One activist pledged: “We will fight till the end.”

December 4, 2009 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | EUROPE, politics | antinuclear, nuclear, nuclear wastes, radiation, radioactive, uranium