Hrazdan residents hold protest outside RA government
A group of Hrazdan residents today held a protest outside the Armenian government demanding the executive body to reconsider its decision of February 25 which recognizes the lands in Kotayk's Artavazd village as "an area of supreme public interest."
"An Arab sheikh who has close ties with President of the Union of Armenians of Russia Ara Abrahamyan wants to build a water factory in the territory. A water factory turns out to be more profitable for Armenia than the hydroelectric power station planned by Sasun Mikaelyan," said Taguhi Tovmasyan.
"The lands did not belong to Sasun. He simply wanted to provide the locals with water and never thought of filling his pockets," said another protester.
"These lands belong to the residents of Hrazdan. If Sasun were in freedom, no one would dare to take our lands," said a third.
Hakob Avagumyan, a representative of Sasun Miakelyan, noted that the lands have a military importance.
The government has offered AMD 3 200 000 for a hectare of lands which is 10 times cheaper than the market prices.
After the protesters told the police about Mikaelyan's heroic deeds, Osipian advised them to take delight in Armenia's victory at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2010.
Armenia's ex parliamentarian Sasun Mikaelyan was convicted in June, 2009, of organizing "mass disturbances" in the wake of the February 2008 presidential election. He was also found guilty of illegal arms possession. The resulting eight-year sentence disqualified him from a general amnesty that led to the release of some 30 opposition members and supporters.
