Azerbaijan Requests Attention to Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant at Summit

Representatives of civil society in Azerbaijan have addressed an open letter to the leadership of the nuclear energy summit. Azerbaijani media report on this development.

The letter states: “We, the representatives of civil society in Azerbaijan, scientists, appeal to the co-chairs of the nuclear energy summit initiated in Brussels—Prime Minister of Belgium Mr. Alexander De Croo and Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi—calling their attention to the global threats posed by the Metsamor nuclear power plant, which is currently in a state of emergency, having long surpassed its operational lifespan. We urge them to raise the issue of the immediate shutdown of this plant before the Armenian government.”

The Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, which began operations in 1976 and is located in a 9.5 magnitude seismic zone—while only rated for an 8 magnitude seismic capacity—poses a significant nuclear danger not only to Azerbaijan but also to Turkey, Armenia, and the entire region. The irresponsible behavior of Armenian authorities regarding this nuclear plant, compounded by false reports intended to mislead the international community, leads the region toward potential disasters reminiscent of the Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents. The risks are increasing daily. Instead of decommissioning the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant and adhering to the norms and procedures established by the international community, Armenian authorities continually attempt to artificially prolong its operation,” the letter adds.

Azerbaijan has called on the International Atomic Energy Agency and other relevant international organizations to collaborate closely with the Republic of Azerbaijan as a key affected state in this sector.