Nairit Plant Employees Claim to Hand the Plant to the Ministry of Economy
The issue of operating of Nairit Plant under RA Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources was considered problematic by the many. In its nature Nairit is more an industrial, rather than energy enterprise, and before passing it to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, it has constantly been within RA Ministry of Economy or former RA Ministry of Industry and Trade. The “tradition” of passing Nairit hand in hand started from 2004, when 60% of its shares passed on to ArmRusGasard Company for the debt, 50% to the Ministry of Finance, and 50% belonged to RA Ministry of Energy , then it was totally passed on the Ministry of Energy. In that period shareholders of Nairit were Ministry of Defence, Central Bank of Armenia, in name of which ArmRusGasard was governed. In 2006 ArmRusGasard sold its already 90% of Nairit Plant LLC to Rainovil Property Limited Company, and the rest 10% share remained under possession of RA Government, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.
After Artsvik Minasyan, ARF MP, assumed the position of Minister of Economy, talks have been activated, that Nairit should be returned to a sector systemizing industry. Moreover, Artsvik Minasyan covered the issue of Nairit Plant and its employees 4 years in range, has repeatedly outspoken of the necessity of adopting a law on Nairit Plant and issues of its re-exploitation and etc. Currently, logic hints that, as a Minister, he should be possibly interested to revive the chemical giant and through action prove his own claims that the Plant may operate.
The circumstance, that the Levon Yolyan, newly appointed Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, is quite well aware of the Plant and its issues, also edifies urgency and necessity of that change. Last week he asked from Nairit workers of allocating him 2 months to study the issue. “You want me to say what? That Nairit will re-operate tomorrow?” Yolyan said and added, “Now my time is expensive. The issue isn’t only Nairit, but numerous other issues are available as well, which I should study thoroughly. Let’s say so, give me 2 months, I promise, after it, despite the situation, I initiate a meeting.”
Instead of scrutinizing serious issues of Nairit Plant, for Levon Yolyan it’s profitable to get rid of that ballast and hand the Plant to Artsvik Minsyan, who is well aware of the issue. If, of course, the issue shouldn’t be regarded by Yolyan himself.
Passing any enterprise from one office to another isn’t a complicated process, only decision by the Government is needed. However, currently likewise issue isn’t covered behind the scenes of the Government.
Although another subtle, political issue is also existent here. For years Republican Prime Ministers and MPs have spoken of Nairit Plant re-exploitation, however, no changes are implemented and the Plant basically more and more deepens into the swamp. If suddenly ARF MP succeeds, an issue of laurels emerges here. However, this is also a soluble issue—RA Prime Minister and President impose its control and process. In any case, Nairit employees don’t lose hope.
In an interview with 168.am they stated that on the coming Thursday again they’ll go to the Parliamentary building, will attempt to meet Minister Artsvik Minasyan, if no, the committee of re-exploitation of Nairit Plant will release a statement in name of all employees.
By Gayane Khachatryan
