Armenia poses mine threat to Azerbaijan - Ombudsman

Baku/04.04.23/Turan: Azerbaijani Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva has addressed to the international community on the occasion of the International Day of Mine Awareness on April 4.

In an address to the international community on Tuesday she noted that this year's International Day of Education on Mine Awareness is held under the slogan: "The process of mine clearance can not wait". The campaign aims to draw attention to territories affected by mine contamination, the press office of the ombudsman's office said in a statement.

"We regret to note that Armenia has not contented itself with occupying cities and districts of Azerbaijan in Karabakh and East Zangezur regions for nearly 30 years, but has also massively mined these territories to harm human life and health.

After the signing of the trilateral statement on November 10, 2020, not only servicemen but also civilians have been blown up on mines in the liberated territories. Since the Patriotic War, 289 civilians have fallen victim to mines and other explosive ordnance, 51 of whom were killed and 238 injured," Aliyeva further noted.

Total 3,368 Azerbaijani civilians, including 357 children and 38 women, have been killed or injured as a result of mine blasts since 1991 to this day, Aliyeva noted.

"Despite repeated demands, Armenia still has not provided Azerbaijan with accurate maps of minefields. We believe that the world community must unite in the fight against mine terrorism to protect the rights of people to life, well-being and health," the Ombudsman said.

She regretted the lack of international community's response to Armenia's mine threat against Azerbaijan and their disinterest in taking effective action.-0-

"As the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of Azerbaijan, I once again appeal to the world community to take a decisive stand to eliminate the existing problem and support the demining process," Aliyeva said.

In turn, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry also noted "the need to bring to justice all those responsible for mines and those who refuse to cooperate in the de-mining process, including Armenia."

"Today marks the International Day for Mine Action Prevention. The "Mine Action Process Cannot Wait" campaign aims to bring to justice those, including Armenia, who plant mines indiscriminately and refuse to cooperate in their removal. We must put an end to the enormous loss of life they create," the official Twitter account said. -0-