YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–Cargo assessed as hazardous waste by experts of the Environmental Protection Ministry was not admitted Armenia.
As reported by Anaida Alexandrian–head of department for control and registration of harmful substances–the given cargo contained expired medicines delivered to Armenia as humanitarian aid. The drugs were detained at the border following a command issued by the environmental protection ministry–because their liquefaction would pose danger to the environment.
Expired drugs were deemed hazardous waste based on the classification of the Basel Convention on Control over Transborder Transportation of Hazardous Waste–as well as a governmental decision No 97 and agreement among CIS countries.
The Environmental Protection Ministry received a letter from US Ambassador to Armenia Peter Tomsen–who thanked the ministry for a detailed consultation and explanation of Armenian laws aimed at protecting the environment from pollution of hazardous substances. Tomsen noted his willingness to further cooperate on similar problems.