February 18, 2003 - 18:57 AMT
AZERBAIJAN WANTS TO DECLARE NAGORNO KARABAKH ECOLOGICAL DISASTER ZONE
The Azeri ministry of ecology and natural resources intends to address international organizations concerning declaring Nagorno Karabakh an ecological disaster zone. As reported by "Press-Center.ru" minister Huseyn Bagirov told journalists in Baku. In his words, the appeal will be based on the materials of a report prepared by an operational center under the ministry exploring the impact of the Karabakh war on the natural environment. The minister emphasized that except for organizing joint regional monitoring of sources of pollution of the Kura and Araz rivers, as well as radioactive waste burial places, cooperation with Armenia was out of question. The ministry intends to invite an international commission to Karabakh.