A project on demining activities is being developed between the United Nations and Azerbaijan, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Dmitro Shlapachenko told APA.
He said the parties are discussing the procurement of demining equipment and the establishment of a Center of Excellence: “This is a very important project for the UN. In principle, we support the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan on this important issue. Because, as the UN Secretary-General has also noted, peace and development will not be possible until the mine problem is fully resolved. In this regard, I am very pleased that discussions are being held between one of the UN agencies and the Government of Azerbaijan on the procurement of equipment for mine clearance and also on the establishment of a Center of Excellence. Given Azerbaijan’s extensive experience in this field, I think the Center of Excellence can play a very important role."
According to the UN official, the center will be important for sharing Azerbaijan’s experience with other countries facing the mine problem: “Our donor is the European Union, and the positions of the Government of Azerbaijan and the UN have now been agreed upon. We hope that the project will be signed soon and work will begin. We regard this as the beginning of our activities in this area and hope to expand this work in the future. Because we understand that until mines are cleared from the territory, people cannot build their normal lives, work, or gain access to healthcare services and other important opportunities. This is important for sustainable development and quality of life. That is precisely why this issue is one of our priorities."
The UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan also noted that he is preparing to visit the liberated territories: “I am looking forward to seeing with my own eyes the work being carried out there. I have seen many photos and am aware of the impressive investments being made there by the Government of Azerbaijan. Naturally, I would like to see all this with my own eyes and also identify on the ground other areas in which the UN could potentially operate."
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