C O N F I D E N T I A L YEREVAN 000479

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/CARC
DEPT FOR L/OES FOR S. BINIAZ AND M. SIMONOFF
DEPT FOR OES/ENV FOR J. MATUSZAK AND A. BEDNAREK
DEPT FOR IO/EDA FOR M. BARTOLETTI AND J. TUMINARO
USUN FOR S. KOTIC AND USEU FOR EST OFFICERS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/05/2016
TAGS: ECE KTIA SENV UNAUS XG AM
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED: PROBLEMATIC GUIDELINES ON
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL FORA

REF: A) STATE 53503 B) GENEVA 546

Classified By: Pol/Econ Chief C. Doell for reasons 1.4 (b, d).

(C) We delivered ref A points regarding the problematic
Aarhus Convention guidelines to Armenian Ministry of Foreign
Affairs International Organizations Department Chief Valery
Mkrtumyan April 5. Mkrtumyan said he agreed that there were
good reasons for distinguishing government from
non-government observers, and that our concerns were "quite
understandable." Mkrtumyan said he could not, however,
provide an immediate response regarding the position the GOAM
would take in Geneva. (Comment: The GOAM generally seeks to
avoid controversy by following consensus in international
fora when it does not anticipate a specific political gain.
In the absence of enticements, we predict that the GOAM will
follow consensus at the Geneva Aarhus Convention guidelines
debate. End Comment).
EVANS