Baku. Shamil Alibeyli APA. Iran and Azerbaijan have been cooperating in the use of the Araz River for more than 42 years and there is an agreement on the use of water resources of this river. I should say that Iran is using only its own water resources of the Araz River for the transfer. The Azerbaijani side has given consent on this issue, as both sides have the right to use their own resources, said Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mohsen Pak-Ayeen, APA reports.
The Ambassador said that he shares Azerbaijans sensitivity regarding the situation of Lake Urmia: The project has been recently launched and needs 2-3 years for the implementation. Excess water resources of the Araz River will be transferred to Lake Urmia. Water level rises and floods occur in the Araz River after intense rainfall. Such excess water will be transferred to Lake Urmia with a special mechanism. Azerbaijans relevant authorities are aware of it.
Speaking about the part of the river to be used for transfer, the Ambassador said that the water of the dams built above the Araz River will be used: Iran will use 50 percent of this water. Iran and Azerbaijan will hold discussions on technical issues every one or two months. Work done has been agreed with Azerbaijan and there is no illegal act.