06 11 16 - Fast Growing Tree Project in Armenia

From: "Gharabegian,Areg"
Date: 16 Nov 2006, 05:20:33 AM

Attached are detailed write ups that describes the Fast Growing Tree Project in Armenia and high level government corruption that is jeopardizing this project. Approximately 12 hectares of the 52 hectares of the plantations are illegally taken by some officials. These 52 hectares originally belonged to Armenian Forest Services, but after they dissolved their branch in Armavier region, this land was suppose to be given to Institute of Botany so they can continue this experimental project. US and Canadian fast growing hybrid poplars that have been introduced in Armenia as part of this project could be a source of wood in Armenia which will drastically reduce cutting old trees in forests to use them as fire wood.

The Fast Growing Tree Project has been financed by private donations from Armenian Diaspora in US as well as assistance from ACDI/VOCA, CRDF, and USDA which are funded by US government. Donations from Diaspora and US taxpayer’s money are given to Armenia to help general population and not some corrupt government officials. What is happening to the Fast Growing Tree Project in Armenia is not unique and there is a good chance that it can be faith of other projects sponsored by Armenian Diaspora.

How does Armenian Government expect that Diaspora should give money for different projects when there is a chance that a successful project can be taken over by some corrupt government officials. At the Third Armenia-Diaspora conference in Yerevan, Armenian Government was asking Diaspora to finance reconstruction of 50 villages near Armenian borders. What kind of guarantee is there that after completion of these projects, they will not be taken over? This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. We are looking for Armenian student organizations to help in spreading the word about this illegal act with the hope that pressure from different sides would save this project. Please contact Armenian Prime Minister and Ambassador and demand that they address this issue. Let then know that Armenian Diaspora will not stand for such illegal acts in Armenia. We need to make it clear that Armenian Diaspora will accept nothing less than fully honest and transparent government in Armenia.

Recently we sent you some disturbing information regarding the Fast Growing Tree Project in Armenia where some government officials have Taken part of the plantation illegally. Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America (AESA) is asking your help in putting pressure on Armenian government to resolve this issue. We have again attached two files describing the issues related to this project, just in case if you have misplaced the one we sent earlier. Please contact Armenian Prime Minister and Ambassador and demand that They address this issue. Let them know that Armenian Diaspora will not stand for such illegal acts in Armenia. We need to make it clear that Armenian Diaspora will accept nothing less than fully honest and transparent government in Armenia. Please send your letters and e-mails on support of the Fast Growing Tree Project. We will appreciate if you pass this information to all your friends and solicited their help. The following are contact information for the Prime Minister and Ambassador.Your prompt action will be greatly appreciated. Please ask your members and all Armenians to call, fax, send letters and e-mails to the Prime Minister of Armenia and Armenian ambassadors in different countries on support of the Fast Growing Tree Project.

Mr. Andranik Margaryan
Prime Minister
Government Building 1
Republic Square, Yerevan
Armenia
e-mail: frd@gov.am

Mr. Tatoul Markarian
Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia in US
2225 R Street, N.W.
Washington D.C. 20008
Tel: (202) 319-1976 , Fax (202) 319-2982
e-mail: armpublic@speakeasy.net

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