Azerbaijani NGOs want to monitor Armenia's mining industry 

Armenia's mining industry has caused a serious environmental disaster in the South Caucasus region, Report informs, citing an open letter addressed by the civil society organizations of Azerbaijan to the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, on the violation of ecological sustainability in the South Caucasus region by the mining industry of this country.

“We appeal to you to open the doors of all mining industry facilities of Armenia to experts specialized in the field of ecology and health, civil society organizations of Azerbaijan specialized in this field, taking into account the international standards and principles listed above, to allow them to inspect the facilities, evaluate and create full conditions for monitoring, taking appropriate samples, and measuring.

“We also recommend that you create appropriate platforms for dialogue and consultation to strengthen trust, inclusion and shared responsibility. Demonstrate political will and leadership to ensure transparency and accountability in the mining industry, implement necessary reforms, and ensure the disclosure of timely, reliable and comprehensive information on the extractive industry.

"We call on the Armenian government for responsible management, to immediately stop the work in the mining industry that threatens our region and our planet, and to make decisions that ensure sustainable development and a healthy future for the people of the region,” the letter said.