Azerbaijan Investigates Armenian Industrial Pollution Threatening Araz River Ecosystem
Azerbaijani officials have raised concerns about environmental pollution originating from Armenia's mining industry, particularly affecting the Araz River and the Shir Arkhi canal. Fuad Najafli, the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, stated that toxic metal waste discharged from Armenia's mining operations has led to the destruction of hundreds of migratory birds and fish. Despite these concerns, Najafli noted that pollution continues unabated.
Sanan Pashayev, Prosecutor of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, emphasized that the pollution poses significant threats to the health, economy, and agriculture of the Nakhchivan region. This includes pollution from both nuclear power plants and metallurgical plants in Armenia. Pashayev highlighted the importance of water conservation during a scientific conference on environmental offenses contributing to climate change.
Elnur Musayev, Head of the Department of Non-Criminal Proceedings of the General Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan, mentioned ongoing investigations into the pollution of Armenia's water resources. These investigations include inquiries to international organizations and environmental monitoring agencies, as well as the collection of water samples to assess the extent of pollution. The findings from these investigations will be used for further legal assessment.
