Azerbaijani official: Landmines must be part of South Caucasus peace talks

Azerbaijani official: Landmines must be part of South Caucasus peace talks

When discussing peace in the South Caucasus, borders are often mentioned, but the issue of mine clearance must also be included, Azerbaijani Presidentchr("39")s Representative for Special Assignments Elchin Amirbayov said, Olaylar informs.

Amirbayov made the remarks on the second day of the 4th International Mine Action Conference on "Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Settlements."

He said that although the war in Azerbaijan has ended, the mine problem has not yet been resolved.

"Long-term financial projects should be planned in this framework. When we talk about peace in the South Caucasus, we should discuss not only borders but also mines. Every mine explosion delays peacebuilding. We hope this problem will be resolved soon. International organizations should also support this process. Currently, 95% of mine clearance funding is provided by the state. International support is essential to reduce this figure. Funding is needed to purchase and use high-tech drones in mine clearance operations, as well as to apply artificial intelligence," Amirbayov said.

He added that more than 13% of Azerbaijanchr("39")s territory has been contaminated with mines and unexploded ordnance.

"Even approximately six years after the end of the war, 75% of mine-contaminated areas still carry the seeds of death. This is an extremely serious problem in terms of human security and peoplechr("39")s return to their homes," he said.

Amirbayov noted that despite these challenges, Azerbaijan is among the countries carrying out one of the worldchr("39")s largest post-conflict reconstruction efforts.

"Internally displaced persons are returning to their native lands, villages and cities are being rebuilt, while roads, schools, hospitals and economic infrastructure are also being created," he added.