During a panel discussion titled "Impact of Azerbaijan’s Aggression on Environment and Cultural Heritage" held on November 14 at the American University of Armenia, Victoria Burnazyan, Vice President of the "EcoLur" Information NGO, emphasized that many of Azerbaijan’s accusations against Armenia are groundless. The event was part of the larger COP29 side conference titled “Azerbaijan’s Aggression on Human Rights and Nature.” Other panelists included Swedish eco-activist Greta Thunberg, Armine Hayrapetyan, Director of the State Service for the Protection of Historical Environment of Artsakh, and Tehmine Yenokyan, President of the "Green Armenia" NGO. The discussion was moderated by Sona Ayvazyan, Executive Director of Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center.
Victoria Burnazyan expressed her gratitude to Thunberg for standing in solidarity with the Armenian people and environmentalists:
"Today, the international community is focused on COP29. Many are present there. For us, it is crucial that a prominent environmentalist and globally recognized activist like Greta is here to amplify the issues of human rights and climate justice," Victoria Burnazyan said.
Addressing Azerbaijan's recent accusations, Victoria Burnazyan noted, "Many of their allegations are fabricated. They attempt to distract attention from their own issues by focusing on problems in Armenia. For instance, they recently accused Armenia of polluting the Caspian Sea."
Victoria Burnazyan pointed to scientific reports, including studies by specialists from Baku State University, which highlight how Azerbaijan’s oil industry has caused extensive pollution in the Absheron Peninsula over the past century. “They have extracted oil and gas for over a hundred years, damaging the fertile layers of the soil and polluting both the peninsula and the Caspian Sea,” she explained.
She criticized Azerbaijan's tactics of silencing genuine environmental activists within its borders through threats, imprisonment, or forced exile.
Victoria Burnazyan also highlighted how Azerbaijan frequently targets Armenia's mining sector. “We acknowledge our challenges. Armenia has always been transparent, and our environmentalists openly discuss these issues. We have certain solutions focused on socio-economic development. But Azerbaijan suppresses its problems through violence and threats,” she asserted.
Furthermore, Victoria Burnazyan noted that Armenia is a member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), receiving high marks for transparency in revealing its true beneficiaries. In contrast, Azerbaijan was expelled from the initiative in 2017 due to human rights violations.
November 15, 2024 at 11:20