Azerbaijani activists push for Metsamor nuclear plant closure over cross-border pollution fears PHOTO

A coalition of Azerbaijani environmental activists has renewed calls for the urgent shutdown of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Armenia, citing significant environmental risks that extend beyond national borders.

The demand was articulated during a briefing by the NGO Coalition “Environmental Protection First,” Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Amin Mammadov, a member of the coalition, emphasized the necessity of enhanced regional cooperation to address the ecological threats posed by Armenia’s continued operation of the Metsamor facility. “Our main goal is to more effectively combat the environmental risks posed by Armenia in the region,” Mammadov stated.

He underscored that the initiative for Metsamor’s closure was spearheaded by the Turkish NGO “Doğa ve Çevre” (Nature and Environment).

At an event held in Igdir, Türkiye, Turkish environmentalists issued a formal declaration condemning the hazardous activities associated with the Metsamor NPP. Mammadov further criticized Armenia for its lack of transparency regarding mining operations conducted near the Azerbaijani border. “Armenia does not publish any reports on the mining activities it carries out in the territories bordering Azerbaijan. I believe that it is necessary to take practical steps to stop the operation of this plant,” he asserted.

Environmental experts also highlighted the transboundary nature of the pollution risks. Sabit Baghirov, another member of the coalition, pointed out that at least six rivers flow from Armenian territory into Azerbaijan, potentially transporting pollutants downstream. He singled out the Araz River as particularly vulnerable. “We have already seen protests in the Iranian media about this. In fact, the entire territory of Azerbaijan is at risk of pollution through river systems,” Baghirov warned.

By Vafa Guliyeva