Sharifov: Armenia's failure to provide complete mine maps remains major problem

Armenia's failure to provide complete mine maps remains one of the main problems complicating demining efforts in Azerbaijan, Deputy Foreign Minister Samir Sharifov said at the 4th International Conference on Mine Action in Baku, Report informs.

He made the remarks during a panel session titled "International Cooperation and Donor Mechanisms to Support Safe Recovery through Mine Action in Azerbaijan," held as part of the conference on "Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Human Settlements."

Sharifov said the conference brings together representatives of international organizations and global development experts.

"Our goal is to make our country safe and secure and create conditions for reconstruction and sustainable development. For Azerbaijan, this is not an abstract issue, but a major humanitarian challenge that directly affects the lives of our citizens and the future of our liberated territories," he said.

He noted that Azerbaijan has hosted numerous international conferences and events on mine action since 2022, stressing that the country's message is clear: the mine problem is not local but global.

"Azerbaijan is always ready to share its experience and is also open to cooperation, because this problem can be resolved more quickly through joint efforts. Therefore, cooperation between countries is essential," Sharifov said.

According to the deputy minister, mines continue to cause casualties even after wars end.

"There are still many factors complicating the situation. Armenia's failure to provide complete mine maps is one of the main problems. This continues to slow clearance operations and delay the safe return of former internally displaced persons," he said.

Sharifov added that demining operations were nevertheless continuing at a rapid pace and expressed particular gratitude to donor countries providing assistance.