Azerbaijan's mine problem discussed in USA PHOTO

The problem of anti-personnel mines in Azerbaijan has been discussed at the "Call for Peace Festival" in the United States.

The event was dedicated to raising funds for mine clearance, reconstruction and restoration of war-affected regions, Report informs.

Azerbaijani Ambassador to the United States Khazar Ibrahim, the head of the international relations, education and press department of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) Ramil Azizov, International Eurasian Press Foundation President, ANAMA's Public Council Chairman Umud Mirzayev attended the discussions.

Heidi Kuhn, the founder and head of the humanitarian organisation Roots of Peace, which organised the event, addressed the issue of large-scale mining on Azerbaijani territory. She stated that during her visit to Azerbaijan, she visited territories liberated from Armenian occupation, witnessed the high level of mine pollution, and urged the international community to assist in this area. At the same time, Kuhn emphasised that the work done in Karabakh in the direction of large-scale humanitarian demining activities is gratifying.

Speaking at the first panel, diplomat Kenneth Quinn, Ambassador Khazar Ibrahim, Ramil Azizov and a representative of the Rotary Club, Sehab Elavar, discussed Azerbaijan's mine problem and international support for its solution.

During his speech, Ibrahim noted that Azerbaijani territories are among the top three in the world in terms of mine pollution, and according to current estimates, more than 1.5 million mines have been buried in the territories liberated from occupation. Ramil Azizov, in turn, said that 116 out of 158 mine incidents occurred in areas outside the former contact line. He informed about the number of mine victims and the activities carried out by ANAMA to combat the mine threat.

The event continued with speeches by representatives of the USA, Colombia, Japan, Ukraine, Belarus, Croatia, Lebanon and Laos.