Baku demands Yerevan to stop construction of toxic plant in Arazdeyen

The Azerbaijani government demanded that Armenia stop the construction of a large metallurgical plant in Arazdeyen, bordering the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

The Cabinet of Ministers informs Caliber.Az that this is stated in a letter from Azerbaijani Ecology and Natural Resources Minister Mukhtar Babayev to Environment Armenian Minister Hakob Simidyan.

The letter says that a relevant procedure has already been initiated in accordance with the "Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context" (Espoo Convention) with regard to the activities carried out near the village of Yeraskh (Arazdeyen), located a few hundred metres from the conditional border between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

It is especially emphasised that, in accordance with Annex 1 of this convention, metallurgical plants are recognised as an activity that can cause a significant negative transboundary impact.

In accordance with article 3.1 of the convention, Armenia was obliged to warn Azerbaijan about the impact of the plant's operation on the environment. However, Azerbaijan has not received any notifications from Armenia regarding this project.

The letter emphasises that Azerbaijan at the initial stage requires Armenia to exchange information and discuss the negative cross-border impact of the project. The Azerbaijani government also demands that Armenia immediately stop the construction of the plant until the issues related to the transboundary impact of the project are fully clarified and adequately considered.

A corresponding appeal was also sent to the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.

Since 2022, a large Armenian-American metallurgical plant with an investment of $70 million is being built in the village of Yeraskh (Arazdwyan).

The construction is carried out very close to the borders of Azerbaijan in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (the distance is about 700-800 metres).