London-listed company had welcomed “liberation” of disputed region where it has mining operations
NGLO Asian Mining was today accused by a group of British Armenians of “exploiting” the country’s conflict with Azerbaijan.
The AIM-listed gold miner has rights to the Vejnaly Contract Area, a 300sq km area within the mineral-rich Zangilan district now under the control of the Azeri army.
The disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region is recognised as part of Azerbaijan but has been controlled by ethnic Armenians and the subject of conflict since the break-up of the Soviet Union.
In a statement to the stock market last month, Anglo Asian welcomed what it called the “liberation” of the region.
It said: “This district forms part of the territory of Azerbaijan which has been occupied by Armenia since 1994 in defiance of … UN Security Council Resolutions…”
UN Human Rights High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet has sounded the alarm over recent “indiscriminate” attacks in and around the border region.
The Armenian National Committee UK issued a statement today pointing out ongoing conflict has forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes.
It said: “It is sad that a London-listed company should think it appropriate to put out a press release celebrating the ‘liberation’ of land it plans to exploit for commercial gain.
That ‘liberation’ has come about through the expulsion of the ethnic Armenians who lived there.”
Anglo said mining would only commence once it has been informed “of the cessation of all hostilities and that it is safe to access the district”.
A spokeswoman added: “Anglo Asian complies with all international laws and with the laws in the countries in which it operates. As a company listed on public markets, Anglo Asian will continue to keep its shareholders informed of any material developments which may impact the territories in which it operates.”