Azerbaijan considers suspending demining in Shusha upon discovery of heritage sites

Demining operations in the city of Shusha must be immediately suspended if a cultural monument is discovered, with the relevant authority to be notified without delay, according to proposed amendments to the law “On the Cultural Capital of Azerbaijan – the City of Shusha."

The draft amendments were discussed at a meeting of the parliamentary Committee on Agrarian Policy, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Under the proposed changes, the decision to resume demining work would be taken by the designated authority or structure. Demining activities in areas of historical and archaeological significance would be carried out with the participation of a representative of that body.

The bill aims to regulate demining activities in Azerbaijan, establish their legal and organisational framework, ensure legal and social protection for demining personnel, and provide assistance to victims of landmines.

By Khagan Isayev