The mine threat in Karabakh and East Zangezur will remain one of the main challenges of the region for many years.
Modern.az reports that Emin Huseynov, special representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavand districts, said this at the event on “From Urbicide to Revival: Sustainable Reconstruction, Settlement and Development in Aghdam, Fuzuli, Khojavand, Jabrayil, Gubadli and Zangilan” held within WUF13.
He stated that Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavand districts were extensively contaminated with mines because they were located along the contact line that existed for 30 years.
“To start the restoration and reconstruction process, demining work had to be carried out first. In the last five years, approximately 60 percent of Aghdam district, 78 percent of Fuzuli district and 16 percent of Khojavand district have been cleared of mines,” he noted.
E. Huseynov emphasized that despite the results achieved, the mine problem has not yet been completely eliminated.
“This is a fundamental problem and will exist in the coming years. We must take this reality into account, pay special attention to security issues and keep the protection of human lives as a main priority,” he added.
The special representative also stated that demining work is one of the main conditions for the restoration of settlements, the return of people to their native lands and the restoration of economic activity.
