YEREVAN.- The main shareholder of Zangezour Copper Molybdenum Combine - CRONIMET Mining AG issued a statement regarding the Kajaran village and adjacent territories.

The Armenian government made a decision in accordance to which specified communities of the Syunik marz have been declared eminent public domain. However, the decision was opposed by village head Rafik Atayan.

In its statement CRONIMET Mining AG said the expansion of the current mine is mainly conditioned by the long-term planning of the ZCMC operations; it has been planned since the soviet period and is envisaged in the current concession agreement.

“The operations of the Combine are in no way force the migration of the population out of the region, just in contrary, have a strategic importance for strengthening the bordering region. Thousands of ZCMC employees along with the vast number of regional satellite companies and their families link their future and well-being with their Motherhood and have no intention to leave. The employees are fully occupied at their workplaces requiring highest professional standards and qualifications being transferred from generation to generation. Undoubtedly, the ZCMC is the main pride of its employees and is the quasi-national enterprise. As such, we do believe that the declaration of the eminent public domain of the adjacent territories is more than legitimate guaranteeing further advancement of the industrial giant.

Instantaneously, we would like to highlight that the discussions of the above-mentioned issue by several groups and individuals are not always constructive by their nature and do not necessarily reflect the real situation. Despite that, we do welcome constructive criticism and dialog with all parties involved to allow ensuring the best possible solution for all existing issues.

In conclusion, CRONIMET Mining AG fully confirms its approach and firm adherence to the principles of civil rights and democracy leading to mutual consent. The management of the ZCMC, being fully authorized by its shareholders, will persist on finding mutually compromising solutions, ensuring legitimate rights and interests of the parties.”