Calls to Close the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant in Turkey

Residents of the Igdir province, which borders Turkey (Eastern Anatolia), are expressing concern over the rise of cancer and other illnesses in the region, citing the influence of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant as a primary cause. Locals report a significant increase in the incidence of diseases, particularly among children and adolescents, over the past few years.

Former head of the Karakoyunlu district, Ziya Ali Deliktas, stated that closing the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant would be an essential step for the area. He pointed out that the plant is situated in a zone with high seismic risk, and extensive radiation checks have not been conducted since the earthquakes in 1988.

It's worth noting that the issue of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant has been raised at the state level in Turkey periodically. In October 2023, discussions in the parliament addressed citizens' demands to close the plant, and the Ministry of Health distributed iodine tablets to residents. The Turkish Foreign Ministry and representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) remind that the plant's technical standards do not meet international and EU safety requirements.