Tofig Musayev: Azerbaijan one of most mine-contaminated countries globally

As a result of the Armenian occupation, Azerbaijan has become one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world. To date, more than 1.5 million mines and unexploded ordnance have been found in the liberated territories. This seriously slows down the process of the safe return of former internally displaced persons to their lands and economic development, said Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the UN Tofig Musayev, speaking at the open debate of the Security Council of the world organization on the topic "Poverty, underdevelopment, and conflict: implications for the maintenance of international peace and security," Report informs.

The diplomat noted that as a result of the military aggression of Armenia against Azerbaijan in 1991-1994, Karabakh and seven adjacent regions were occupied, more than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed, over a million people, mostly women and children, became internally displaced. During this aggression, many cities and villages were wiped off the face of the earth, cultural and historical monuments were destroyed, natural resources were illegally plundered.

Musayev emphasized that in the fall of 2020, as a result of the 44-day Patriotic War, Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity. With the end of the conflict in the liberated territories, Azerbaijan began large-scale restoration and reconstruction work. The diplomat said that Azerbaijan is implementing a strategy in the liberated territories based on a human-oriented, innovative and sustainable development model. This process is accompanied by such innovative approaches as smart city, smart village and green energy zone.

According to the ambassador, the territories that once lay in ruins are today turning into modern settlements.

"Each new infrastructure project, be it an airport, a school or a farm, both ensures development and contributes to stability and peace," he emphasized. However, the mine threat remains a serious obstacle for the region. The diplomat said that approximately 1.5 million mines and an unknown number of unexploded ordnance are located in the territories liberated from occupation. These "hidden killers" not only threaten human life, but also slow down the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons to their native lands, he added.

The permanent representative called on the international community to support Azerbaijan's national humanitarian efforts to clear mines: "This process requires strong solidarity and shared responsibility. Peace and prosperity are not the privilege of only a few people, but the right of all humanity."