Firdusi residents appeal to ECtHR
Some 39 dwellers of Yerevan's 33 District known as Firdusi have applied to the European Court of Human Rights. They submitted their applications with the ECtHR in June, 2009.
The citizens have been struggling for their right to property for seven years. They demand adequate compensation for their houses to be privatised for the "needs of state."
"Residents have no claims to be posed to the building organisation "City Center Divelopment". Nor have they lodged an action against the company. The fact that half of the 380 house owners have concluded a contract with the company testifies to my words," says Vardges Badalian, a senior representative of the Yerevan City Hall.
We met no contractor in the district. The neighbours say they have moved to rented flats and are waiting for the new blocks of flats. People living in the district haven't concluded a contract yet as they are in hesitation.
"The company doesn't speak of preliminary and adequate compensation. They only suggest signing a contract and vacating the area within two months. They suggest us to rent flats for 30-40 000 drams. But we cannot afford one at present," said resident Anahit Safarian.
"The state has left us alone. What if the company is declared bankrupt one day! We do not confide in the state and in a private company," said resident Alik Zakarian.
Vardges Badalian says that in case the company is recognised bankrupt or fails to meet its liabilities the City Hall can overrule the process and lay the responsibility of construction to another company.
