Twenty-four non-governmental organizations operating in Azerbaijan, published an open letter to Nikol Pashinyan. They demand that more than 12 mining companies operating in the territory of the Republic of Armenia, be closed on some “ecological” grounds.
Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine in Kajaran, Kapan Mining Combine, Agarak Copper-Molybdenum Combine and the Sotk gold mine, located on the border with Azerbaijan, make the list. The list also comprises lands belonging to some residents of Shnogh and Teghut villages, the gold mining industry in Gegharkunik province, Akhtala mine in Lori province of Armenia, Kapan aluminum plant, the metallurgical plant in Kotayk province, producing copper, zinc and lead, the copper smelting plant in Gegharkunik province, Yeraskh metallurgical plant still under construction and Amulsar gold mine.
In his meeting with ABC Media, Expert on Azerbaijani Studies Aram Poladyan stated that the Azerbaijani government stands behind this move.
“This is a precedent never recorded before. Azerbaijan interferes into Armenia’s internal affairs and worse still, speaks about the rights of the international community. Moreover, this is a preventative measure. Thus, they want to prove that the plant being constructed in Yeraskh does not meet international standards,” said Aram Poladyan.
