Bill on ratification of Caspian Sea oil pollution protocol discussed

Azerbaijan`s parliament, the Milli Majlis, has discussed a draft law on ratification of the “Protocol on Regional Preparedness, Response and Cooperation in Combating Oil Pollution” of the Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea.

The bill was discussed at a session of the Milli Majlis`s Committee on Natural Resources, Energy and Environment.

Deputy Parliament Speaker, the Committee`s chairman Valeh Alasgarov described the protocol, which was inked in Aktau last year, as a document “securing Caspian Sea from oil and terrestrial oil pollutions”. “The document stipulates issues such as preparedness for oil pollution, and response and regional cooperation in this field,” he said.

Adviser at the Ecology and National Resources Ministry Konul Ahmadova said: “All five Caspian littoral countries signed the protocol.”

“Under the protocol, the sides will take all necessary measures, both separately and jointly, to prepare for and respond to oil pollution. Regional partnership Caspian Sea Plan will be set up to implement the protocol on oil pollution,” she added.

During the discussions, parliamentarians stressed the importance of the protocol, pointing out it will foster the protection of fauna and flora of not only the Caspian Sea, but also the entire Caspian coastal region.

The MPs recommended the bill for the ratification by the Milli Majlis.


/AzerTAc/