Cows’ Garden deal has not been canceled – Setrag Balian

The General Assembly of the Brotherhood of Sts. James has rejected the proposal to sign a new deal regarding the lease of the “Cows’ Garden.” Alpha News spoke with Setrag Balian, founder of the “Save the ARQ” movement, about the issue.

“This is not a new deal, it is an addendum. Negotiations between the Armenian Patriarchate and the ‘Xana’ company have been ongoing for a year and a half. The outcome of those negotiations was presented to the General Assembly and was rejected,” said Balian.

When asked what contributed to the decision, Setrag Balian responded, “Our community urged that its position be taken into account. Fortunately, our lawyers were able to present the community’s stance to the General Assembly of the Brotherhood.”

He noted that for the past 100 years, the community had no representative in the Brotherhood Assembly whose voice could be heard.

“Our community’s voice was finally heard. And we are very happy and welcome this decision,” Balian added.