Latvia’s roundtable raises alarm on landmines in Azerbaijan PHOTO

The Azerbaijani embassy in Latvia has said that a roundtable titled “Mine Action in Azerbaijan: Priorities and Challenges” has been recently held in Riga, focusing on the ongoing challenges posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani ambassador to Latvia Elnur Sultanov highlighted the devastating legacy of nearly 30 years of Armenian occupation, during which approximately 1.5 million landmines and unexploded munitions were laid across 13 per cent of Azerbaijan’s territory, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

This extensive contamination continues obstructing the rehabilitation of liberated areas and the safe return of displaced people.

Former Latvian President Raimonds Vējonis underscored the seriousness of the mine threat, stating, “Although the war has ended, lasting peace is impossible without security guarantees. Azerbaijan needs not only verbal support but also genuine political will from the international community. Latvia too has faced the aftermath of unexploded ordnance following both World Wars.” 

Former Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks emphasized the importance of international cooperation, describing Azerbaijan as a strategic partner. He stressed that global support is essential not only to combat the mine threat but also to safeguard the country’s cultural heritage sites affected by contamination. 

Azerbaijani MP Gaya Mammadov revealed that Armenian forces planted mines even in civilian areas, and warned that international assistance currently covers less than 5 per cent of the critical needs for mine clearance.

Deputy Head of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) Samir Poladov presented the agency’s ongoing efforts. He highlighted both the humanitarian and environmental consequences of landmine contamination and called for increased involvement from international donors to effectively address the crisis.

By Naila Huseynova