Hipper: EU ready to expand support for demining in Azerbaijan - EXCLUSIVE

The European Union is ready to consider expanding its support for humanitarian demining in Azerbaijan amid the persistent landmine threat, Anitta Hipper, EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, told Report.

She expressed condolences over the death of Mughan Matili, an employee of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), noting that the tragedy once again highlights the danger of mines.

"Our thoughts are with the family of the demining worker of the Azerbaijan's National Agency for Mine Action who passed away this week. This is a grim reminder that landmines have a devastating effect beyond the war. They continue killing and injuring civilians long after the conflict ends. Mughan Matili showed the courage and the risk that demining workers face regularly in their daily work to protect others.

The EU and its Member States, through a Team Europe Initiative, are the leading donors for humanitarian demining in Azerbaijan, providing EUR 22 million. Demining activities are crucial for the safe return of internally displaced people, restoring access to natural resources and revitalising local economies – an indispensable step in advancing the peace process. We stand ready to provide further support through EU instruments. We continue our commitment to contribute to a safe, mine-free environment on Azerbaijan's territory," she noted.

The statement was made following yet another tragic incident in Karabakh: on April 14, ANAMA employee Mughan Matili (born 1995) was killed on duty by an anti-tank mine. Since the end of the conflict in 2020, as many as 422 people have been killed by mines.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, for its part, once again called on the international community to intensify its support for humanitarian demining.