Environmental Protection First supports Turkish NGOs' call to shut down Metsamor NPP

The NGO coalition Environmental Protection First has supported the call by Turkish NGOs to halt the operations of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant in Armenia.

According to Report, the coalition held a briefing in protest against the continued operation of the NPP. Speakers included coalition members Amin Mammadov, Sabit Baghirov, and the chairman of the Ruzgar Environmental Public Union, Professor Islam Mustafayev.

Amin Mammadov recalled that more than 30 NGOs operating in Türkiye had recently issued a call to stop the activities of the Metsamor NPP.

"Of course, we express full solidarity on this matter and support their appeals," he stated.

Professor Islam Mustafayev emphasized that this initiative from Turkish NGOs is no coincidence:

"This issue is raised annually at conferences of the International Atomic Energy Assembly, but the necessary steps are not being taken. We demand the closure of this plant, which poses a serious risk and has become an excessive source of danger to neighboring countries. If any incident occurs there, it will lead to a major tragedy for the four surrounding countries."

Mustafayev also highlighted Armenia's location in a seismic zone:

"Just 500 meters from the Metsamor NPP is an earthquake fault line, meaning the area is prone to destructive earthquakes."

He further pointed out reports that Armenia is considering building a new nuclear power plant:

“Undoubtedly, they are not being granted permission. Building a nuclear plant in a border region requires the consent of neighboring countries.”