Attempt to Enrich Azerbaijani Lands is Unacceptable: Turkish Minister

The recent events along the Lachin corridor are a test of Armenia's sincerity. This statement was made by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu.

“Our cooperation with brotherly Azerbaijan is at the highest level possible between two countries. The attempt to appropriate the wealth of Azerbaijani lands is unacceptable. Turkey supports Azerbaijan on this issue, as with any other,” said the Turkish minister.

Recall that on the morning of December 12, a group of Azerbaijanis in civilian clothing closed the Stepanakert-Goris highway connecting Artsakh to Armenia, citing environmental reasons. The Lachin corridor remains blocked. Azerbaijani “environmentalists” claim that mining operations in the area under the responsibility of Russian peacekeepers should cease.

The day before, the government of the Republic of Artsakh reaffirmed that mining activities in Artsakh are carried out at the highest international standards, in line with the regulations set forth by the legislation in the sector.

“However, considering the unhealthy environment created by the ‘eco-activists’ of the neighboring country and attempts to mislead the international community, it has been decided to appeal to international organizations to conduct an international ecological examination regarding the activities of the ‘Base Metals’ company. In cooperation with the company’s management, it has been decided to temporarily suspend mining operations until the examination is completed. The government of the Republic of Artsakh has turned to the relevant UN bodies and other international professional organizations to organize the examination in a timely manner. The government of the Republic of Artsakh has always supported the maintenance of the best international standards in the field of mining and is confident that international ecological standards should be applicable to all mining companies in the region,” the government’s statement read.