YEREVAN, JUNE 8, ARMENPRESS. GTB Steel, which is building a smelting plant in the village of Yeraskh, Ararat Province, Republic of Armenia, issued a statement responding to the statement of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Azerbaijan that the construction and operation of the smelter will harm the environment of their country.

“Today, the press published the statement of the Ministry of Environment of Azerbaijan regarding the construction of the black metal scrap processing plant (smelter) in Yeraskh village, Ararat province of Armenia. The Ministry of Environment of Azerbaijan stated that the construction/operation of the smelter will harm the environment of their country.

Without giving much importance to the foregoing statement of Azerbaijan, however, taking the opportunity to provide more detailed information about our project to the Armenian society and based on our commitment to carry out transparent and accountable activities, "GTB Steel" LLC reports the following:

The owner of the smelter under construction is "GTB Steel" LLC, which applied in accordance with the RA legislation and received a positive conclusion on the impact on the environment from the national competent authority, the RA Ministry of Environment, with appropriate test requirements that meet all international standards. The conclusion confirmed that all modern technologies for the exclusion of negative impact on the environment will be implemented and all equivalent measures will be carried out. It should also be noted that the smelter is not in operation and is still under construction.

In addition to the foregoing, we inform that "GTB Steel" LLC will continue its activities in the border community of Yeraskh, which is so important for the Republic of Armenia, following all the requirements specified by the Armenian legislation, and for the benefit of the Republic of Armenia.

Perhaps, this is the reason for the reaction of the neighboring state. Despite of the above-mentioned actions with hostile motives, we are fully committed to continue our project in the border community of Yeraskh, which is highly important for the economy of the Republic of Armenia”, ARMENPRESS reports, reads the statement issued by GTB Steel.