Environmental pollution in Karabakh - major challenge for entire region Eco-action on Lachin road in limelight of Italian media

The attention of the international media remains locked on the action of Azerbaijani eco-activists on the Lachin road aimed against the illegal exploitation of mineral deposits in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, where, in accordance with the Trilateral Statement, a Russian peacekeeping contingent deployed after the Second Karabakh war in November 2020. Activists urge the international community to pay attention to the environmental damage and exploitation of natural resources by Armenia in this beautiful Azerbaijani region. In this regard, the Italian online newspaper L'Opinione delle Libertà interviewed Orkhan Amashov, Azerbaijani public figure and political observer of Caliber.Az.

- Armenia promoted the development of illegal settlements in Lachin and supported mining companies that caused environmental damage to the region. What is going on and what are you demanding from the international community?

- During its 30-year occupation of the territories of Azerbaijan, Armenia has pursued an illegal settlement policy in the Lachin region, officially recognised by the international community as Azerbaijani territory, in violation of international law, which explicitly prohibits any form of urban and housing planning in the occupied territories. The situation we have faced in recent weeks is related to the exploitation of Azerbaijan's natural resources in Karabakh, the region where Russian peacekeepers are temporarily deployed, as stipulated in the statement of November 10, 2020. We are fighting to preserve and protect our environment. We cannot remain silent and turn a blind eye to this, as the region has an important environmental legacy, and the consequences of illegal mining could be irreversible.

I would like to explain to Italian readers why this situation is really worrying. Russian peacekeepers are currently temporarily deployed in the part of Azerbaijani territory that includes Khankendi and its periphery. The Armenian armed forces were supposed to leave these territories, as stipulated by point 4 of the Trilateral Statement, but this has not happened. Not only did they refuse to leave the territory, but they also engaged in illegal copper and gold mining with the involvement of a company based in Switzerland. Our country's resources are being exploited illegally, without any control and without state permission, and thus without the necessary conditions for exploitation, which leads to environmental damage and pollution, with serious consequences for the future of the region. Our protest action is directed against such activity; we believe that this situation must be remedied immediately and that the international community can monitor these territories.

Furthermore, we fear that the Lachin road may become a logistical tool for transporting illegally mined minerals and arms. To our dismay, we note that instead of focusing on our legitimate demands, the international media report on Armenia's false priorities, claiming that our demonstrations are blocking Armenian residents in the Azerbaijani region. False! We allow all civilian vehicles and humanitarian aid through, our actions are not aimed at blockading territory. And we have already gained the victory. Base Metal, the mining company which was engaged in illegal resource extraction, has already stopped its operations in this territory, but we believe that environmental monitoring is the main requirement to be met in order to secure the future of the region. That is why we are continuing the action.

- Several international companies, such as Switzerland Base Metals, are involved in mining minerals and gold in Karabakh for the international market. What environmental damage have you recorded?

- To understand the extent of environmental damage, we need to monitor and assess what is happening. We have had many meetings with experts in environmental planning and the Russian high command, but no agreement has yet been reached. At the moment we already know about the felling of several hectares of forest, about the pollution of the environment. To have a clear picture of what is going on, we need to conduct monitoring activities. The international community has already witnessed the pollution of the Okhchuchay River, water analysis shows heavy metals in it - this is the result of illegal mining. If we don't stop it, then it will be too late, and we are continuing the action precisely for these reasons.

- In the current context, it seems that the main problem on the Lachin road is not only illegal resource extraction or environmental damage but also the use of the road to arm separatists and the Armenian army in the region. What has been the situation on this issue over the last few days?

- Well spotted! The misuse of the Lachin road for transporting illegally mined minerals creates huge economic and environmental problems. Had this area been properly controlled, an environmental catastrophe in the region could have been avoided. Our action guarantees that the route will only be used for the transport of humanitarian goods, excluding anti-personnel mines, ammunition, weapons, and illegal raw materials. We have always allowed humanitarian aid and vehicles with the Russian contingent through. A few days ago we also rescued an Armenian family in a difficult situation. We are hosting all the civilians in the area, distributing food, and providing psychological support.

We must unite to save our environment together, work together, share human values, and show mutual respect.

- Trilateral Statement once again reconfirmed the Lachin corridor as being a part of Azerbaijan's internationally recognised territory but Armenia continues to violate international treaties. How is the population reacting to this?

- The local population is very indignant. We are working to ensure that this territory is not used for illegal purposes, legally this territory belongs to Azerbaijan and should therefore be controlled and monitored by Azerbaijani institutions. Over the past two years, since the entry into force of the declaration of November 10, 2020, which put an end to the Second Karabakh War, Armenia has repeatedly violated the agreements and used the Lachin road for illegal purposes.

We cannot allow our land and environment to be destroyed. If we fail, future generations will not be able to enjoy the region's assets and environment. We ask the citizens of the world to understand that we are here to protect our environment and territory and that we are not invading or exterminating any civilisation or any other nation. Furthermore, I repeat that the Lachin road is the territory of Azerbaijan and the institutions of this republic should be able to control and monitor it.