Mine action should be made part of the international peace agenda, Representative of the President of Azerbaijan on Special Assignments Elchin Amirbayov said during his speech at the 4th International Conference on Mine Action titled “Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Settlements” in Baku, APA reports.
“When we talk about peace in the South Caucasus, we usually talk about borders, communications, trade, and confidence-building. I believe we should add one more issue: eliminating the physical legacy of war. Because mine action should be regarded as an investment in the sustainability of peace. Secondly, in addition to the major national efforts undertaken by the Azerbaijani government, we need to consider establishing a long-term international financing mechanism for mine action in Azerbaijan. It should not be only about emergency assistance and individual projects. We need predictable, multi-year financing so that Azerbaijan can plan its activities, recruit and train personnel, invest in equipment, and accelerate mine clearance,” Elchin Amirbayov emphasized.
He noted that artificial intelligence, drones, satellite imagery, advanced survey and measurement technologies, mechanical demining, and information technologies can significantly increase both the speed and safety of mine clearance.
“Azerbaijan intends to become a regional center of excellence in mine action and is open to such cooperation. Mine action should become part of confidence-building in the region. Humanitarian issues can sometimes create opportunities for practical cooperation, even when political questions remain sensitive. Clearing the remnants of war is one such area. Because this is about saving human lives. It is about the future. And I believe this should be approached precisely from this perspective,” the presidential representative noted.
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