Official: Peace also depends on preventing pollution of transboundary rivers

Sustainable peace in the region is impossible without preventing the pollution of transboundary rivers, according to Mugabil Bayramov, head of the Azerbaijani Cartographers public association, Chairman of the Public Council under the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan.

Report informs that speaking on behalf of the Environmental Protection First coalition, Bayramov said that environmental issues must be treated as an integral part of the regional peace agenda.

"We cannot ignore serious environmental consequences. Armenia's approach to this process must also be reflected in its treatment of transboundary rivers," he said.

He noted that mining activities in Armenia are creating significant environmental challenges and are inconsistent with the region's peace agenda.

Bayramov also stressed that Armenia should comply with obligations under the Espoo Convention, which requires countries to assess environmental impacts of major projects that may affect neighboring states and to consult with them in advance.