Aliyev grants week to commission investigating environmental impact of Seyudlu mine

Baku/12.07.23/Turan: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has considered justified the environmental demands of residents of Seyudlu of Gadabey region due to environmental pollution by the gold mine.

However, at the same time, the head of state justified the actions to disperse the protest action of local residents.

Speaking at an expanded government session on the socio-economic results of the first half of 2023 on 11 July, Aliyev criticised the Ministry of Ecology for condoning the pollution of Azerbaijan's environment by a foreign investor.

"I believe that the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources allowed at least negligence, showed lack of control, acted as a passive observer, following which the foreign investor poisoned our nature. People have rightfully raised their voices in protest, but has anyone heard their voice? No!? A day, two days, three days, five days, where did the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources look? Didn't it know there was such a problem? Either it knew and turned a blind eye, or it didn't know. Both are unacceptable," Aliyev said.

However, he continued, "some citizens, having succumbed to the incitement of provocateurs, committed immoral, illegal actions, which is unbearable and unacceptable". "Some of these provocateurs are hiding in Azerbaijan, others abroad. Those in Azerbaijan have already been identified, some of them have been brought to justice. We will bring to responsibility those abroad as well. Let no one, as they say, think that we have forgotten about it," the President continued.

To his thinking, "...and citizens should show culture, as they say, good manners, obey the law, not throw stones at the police." "Stoning the police does no one any honour. That's one. Secondly, it is a crime. If the Azerbaijani police show tolerance, it does not mean that anyone can throw stones at them. This is completely unacceptable. I tell everyone, we are not going to indulge anyone. If necessary, we will punish someone so that he will regret what he has done," Aliyev emphasised.

He emphasized that foreign investors should comply with environmental requirements.

"It is clear that they come here not to do charity work, but to make money. But this does not mean that our nature should be destroyed. It doesn't mean that pastures and fields should be seized from people. It doesn't mean that a second lake with waste should be created without proper authorisation. Who gave them permission? Apparently, they either colluded with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources or did it on their own. Therefore, this case requires a thorough investigation. All necessary instructions have been given to the Prosecutor's Office and other relevant agencies," Aliyev further noted.

He also criticised the Ministry of Ecology for being passive in assessing the environmental impact of the plant.

"I called the Prime Minister and instructed him to definitely set up a commission and send them to the scene. Well, should I have said that?! Didn't the Minister of Ecology know that he had to go there himself?! I said, go there, talk to people on the spot, take air and soil samples, involve international experts. Since the Ministry itself caused this incident, perhaps it will try to cover it up. Therefore, let the experts make assessments: to what extent is the exploitation of these deposits harmful to people's health, nature or not harmful? There is no answer for today. Yes, a meeting was held in the Cabinet of Ministers and a statement was made there. Anyone who reads this statement will not understand anything of what it says, what was the purpose of this statement?", Aliyev said.

"I gave a specific instruction, a specific instruction. Where are the results of the expertise? How much time has passed? It's been about a month. No one reports to me. Neither the Cabinet of Ministers, nor the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. They think I've forgotten about it. No, I don't forget anything...

Representatives of the foreign company should be invited. If they have not been invited so far, they should give an appropriate explanation to the Cabinet of Ministers. And I and the public should be informed within a week. If there is even the slightest danger to nature and human health there, this activity must be stopped. That's all!", Aliyev said.

At the same time, he praised the activity of local gold mining company "AzerGold".

"I should also note that our state company "AzerGold" is also engaged in exploitation of gold deposits. But, according to the information provided to me, all environmental norms are observed in this field. Among other things, contacts have been established with local communities, various humanitarian actions are being carried out, and people are massively involved in the work. Here, please, what approach is demonstrated by an Azerbaijani company and what approach is demonstrated by a foreign company," Aliyev said.

The Seyudliu deposit is operated by "Anglo Asian Mining", the main owners of which are private investors from the US.  -06В-