Armenia-planted mines hamper Karabakh reconstruction and repatriation Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry statement

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on April 4 to mark the International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, per Caliber.Az.

The press service of the ministry has stated that the Republic of Azerbaijan has suffered from the mine threat and has had many victims during the ongoing military occupation of its territories by Armenia for almost 30 years, as well as in the post-conflict period.

Therefore, the statement emphasises the importance of fighting against the mine problem. The statement highlights that the mine threat from Armenia, which continues even in the post-conflict period, is not only slowing down the rehabilitation and reconstruction work in the region but is also delaying the process of returning former IDPs to their homeland.

Moreover, the mine threat remains a significant danger to the lives and health of Azerbaijani citizens.

The Foreign Ministry further stated that as a result of mine explosions, which occur almost daily due to the ongoing mine threat from Armenia, a total of 350 Azerbaijanis have suffered. 65 of them lost their lives, including 50 civilians and 15 servicemen.