Baku, Azerbaijan, April 25. Potential
cooperation with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in
Europe (OSCE) in the field of mine clearance and post-conflict
reconstruction in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories is of
particular interest to us, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of
Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, Trend reports.
Speaking at a joint press conference today with the Secretary
General of the OSCE, Feridun Sinirlioğlu, Bayramov emphasized that
reconstruction and restoration work in the territories liberated
from occupation is progressing rapidly, and each month more
internally displaced persons are returning to their native
lands.
However, the greatest obstacle in this process remains the
threat posed by landmines. According to the minister, more than one
million mines and explosive devices were planted in these areas by
Armenia.
“Currently, large-scale demining operations are being conducted
with the involvement of relevant state institutions and
international organizations. Nevertheless, the complete clearance
of mines from these territories is a long-term process requiring
substantial resources and will continue for many years.
Unfortunately, to date, nearly 400 of our citizens have been
affected by mine explosions, of whom 70 have lost their lives. The
majority of the victims are civilians,” the minister noted.
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