Mine action has economic, social significance, NATO official says

Mine action has not only humanitarian but also economic and social significance, says Eirini Lemos-Maniati, head of NATO's Arms Control, Disarmament and Weapons of Mass Destruction Non-Proliferation Unit.

Speaking at a panel discussion held as part of the 4th International Conference on Mine Action, she outlined that NATO attaches high priority to security issues and cooperation with its partners in the field of mine action, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Lemos-Maniati emphasised the importance of introducing advanced technologies into mine clearance, while stressing that their effective use to protect people's lives and local communities remains decisive.

"Mine action has not only humanitarian, but also economic and social significance. It directly affects people's ability to recover after conflicts," the NATO official noted.

Lemos-Maniati further stated that international cooperation in mine action should focus on four interconnected areas: partnership and transformation, implementation of practical projects, long-term regional cooperation, and support for sustainable development.

She stressed that the need to ensure that assistance is aligned with the actual needs of affected states and their populations.

"Mine action should be an integral part of broader efforts to achieve sustainable development. Its task is not only to eliminate immediate dangers, but also to create conditions for the safe return of people, the restoration of territories and the development of local communities," she added.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov