Azerbaijan, Baku, Apr. 3 / Trend M.Aliyev /
The Iranian security forces have arrested about 100 Azerbaijani activists protesting against the draining of the Lake Urmia , Iranian opposition website "kaleme.com" reported.
Based on the information, the security forces created test-search points at a distance of 50 kilometers of roads leading to theLake Urmia and people going to the lake were not allowed to join the protest.
The security forces used tear gas to disperse the protesters. The demonstrators brought water in a glass and poured it into the lake. Protesters carried banners with slogans such as "School of Turkic language" and "Long live Azerbaijan".
Apr.2, the World Azerbaijanis Congress (WAC) held a protest in front of the Iranian Embassy in Azerbaijan in protest against the draining of the Lake Urmia . WAC Permanent Council Head Ajdar Tagizade as a result of draining the water level in the Lake Urmia decreased by seven meters. He said draining of the lake, which is one of the symbols of the Azerbaijani history, may lead to environmental disaster.
The Lake Urmia is one of the most famous lakes of Iran. Its area is about 6,000 square kilometers. Migratory birds use it as a point of rest during their migration.
Due to continuous drought, the water level in the Lake is sharply reduced, which has an impact not only on the condition of the flora, but the fauna.
According to experts on the environment, the measures taken by the Iranian government to save the lake are insufficient.