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Azerbaijani FM: Armenia's refusal to provide mine maps further exacerbates the situation

23 September 2023 20:48 (UTC +04:00)

"Armenia's refusal to provide maps of all mined areas and the continued placement of mines, mine remnants and other explosives even after the announcement of the cessation of all hostilities further exacerbates the situation and increases the toll on human lives," the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Jeyhun Bayramov, stated during the General Debate of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on the topic of "Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all," APA reports.

"Thanks to the tireless efforts of the government, life is returning to the territories subjected to unprecedented acts of vandalism during Armenia's 30-year military occupation. The first groups of displaced families have already returned to their native lands.

Unfortunately, the widespread placement of landmines and other explosive devices on Azerbaijani territories remains a significant obstacle to the unhindered progress of restoration and reconstruction efforts. This poses a danger for individuals returning to their homes after thirty years of forced displacement.

Armenia's refusal to provide maps of all mined areas and the continued placement of mines, mine remnants and other explosives even after the announcement of the cessation of all hostilities further exacerbates the situation and increases the toll on human lives.

Since November 2020, 315 people have fallen victim to mines placed by Armenia. Some of these mines were transferred and placed on Azerbaijani territory after the signing of the Trilateral Statement.

Taking into consideration the ongoing mine issue in Azerbaijan and the challenges faced by government institutions in addressing this problem, there is a serious need for increased international support to strengthen Azerbaijan's potential in demining efforts. Such support will not only aid in demining initiatives but also contribute to a global campaign against mines and demonstrate the commitment to peace and cooperation in the region," noted the minister.