Editors’ appeal

Armenia is debating the repeal of controversial legislation that has led to a sharp increase in libel suits filed against media organisations. The country’s human rights ombudsman Karen Andreasian has urged the court to consider declaring the law unconstitutional after protests from editors of leading publications. Amendments to Armenia’s libel laws last year decriminalised libel, but toughened financial penalties. After that at least 15 libel suits have been filed by government officials, including former president Robert Kocharian, and businessmen with government connections.

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Armenia clears forestland for copper mine

Amidst protests from environmental groups, the Armenian government has given the go-ahead to an open-pit copper mine in the Teghut forest. The project is considered the largest mine in the country. On January 28, the government cleared 1,570 hectares of Teghut forest for the project. The forest supports a large number of native species, including the Syrian brown bear and the short-toed eagle. Green groups say the open-pit mine will have a large and lasting damage on the