Opposition Armenian party Heritage has criticized the government decision to use the cooper-rich area for mining purposes.

Opposition Armenian party Heritage has criticized a government decision to use the cooper-rich area, including five villages, in the southern province of Syunik for mining purposes. 

In a statement released late on Thursday, the party also said the mining industry is ruled by some individuals who rob the millions-worth property of the Republic of Armenia. 

The party further said that it is backing the fight of the residents of those villages against the government decision. 

“Such an apparent robbery of the state property was possible only in a criminal ruling system,” read the statement. 

“In fact, each year a few people rob the hundreds of millions-worth property of the Republic of Armenia.” 

It also said that the government’s policy in mining hampers the implementation of programs in the sphere of tourism, healthcare and agriculture. 

Further, Heritage party said it demands the government to immediately annul its decision that stipulates that the area of those five villages – approximately 500 hectares – can be used for mining.

The party also demanded to immediately stop attempts to exert both direct and indirect pressure on the residents of those villages so that they will reject their property rights.