Today we live in a society, which cannot imagine life without expressing views on social media. Probably it does have certain advantages. Nevertheless, many participants of active discussions have already forgotten or do not even know about the developments, which unfolded in Armenia 5, 10 or 15 years ago.   

To fill the gap Mediamax presents 5/10/15 project, which introduce the developments that happened in Armenia 5, 10 and 15 years ago.

•    15 YEARS AGO: AUGUST 16-22, 2006

Porterfield is appointed the manager

On August 16, a Scottish coach Ian Porterfield was appointed the new manager of the Armenian national football team.

The President of the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA), Ruben Hayrapetian, presented the new trainer of the national football team of Armenia, Ian Porterfield, in Yerevan today.

President of Armenia’s Football Federation Ruben Hayrapetyan stated that he was selected from 10 nominee candidates, “taking into consideration his rich experience in training and the results achieved.”  

Ian Porterfield

Photo: Photolure

Ian Porterfield stated that “Armenian football has a good potential, and I am starting my work with optimism.”

Unfortunately, on September 11, 2007 Ian Porterfield passed away. He was diagnosed with colon cancer a few months earlier but continued to work with the Armenia team.

Porterfield started the more successful era in Armenian football, and fans quickly grew to respect and appreciate his work.

The Times quoted Ian Porterfield’s widow, Glenda:

“He had his wish to die in harness. I’ll always remember the open training session at the stadium on the day before the game [against Portugal]. The stadium was packed to see all the Portuguese stars like [Cristiano] Ronaldo, Deco and the rest, but when Ian walked out, they all stood up and shouted his name. It was very moving.”

•    5 YEARS AGO: AUGUST 16-22, 2016

Construction of Amulsar mine begins

On August 19, the launch ceremony took place for Lydian Armenia’s Amulsar project.

“We know what motivates you is the desire to see a different, better mining operation in Armenia. I want to assure we will do our best to show that there is a different way of doing business, that mining can be responsible, that mining can be safe and that it can benefit the people around the mine. We are here to make it happen during the next 12 years together with all of you,” said Lydian staff Lydian President and CEO Howard Stevenson.

Howard Stevenson

Photo: Lydian

“We have come a long way, we had objective and subjective difficulties but importantly this ceremony is taking place today, for which I am very glad as the head of the Government. With the decline in foreign investments, the launch of such a large scale project is essential. I am confident that Amulsar project will create new opportunities for the economic development of Armenia,” said Armenian PM Hovik Abrahamyan.

Photo: Lydian

Ambassador of the United States in Armenia Richard Mills noted: “We trust the company will continue to serve as an example of responsible mining, operating transparently in line with international environmental and social standards.”

Photo: Lydian

The capital investment of the project was to make USD 370 million (2016-2018).

After the revolution of 2018, environmental activists blocked the roads leading to the mine, preventing the company from completing the construction. As of the moment, the fate of Amulsar remains undecided.

Ara Tadevosyan