Karabakh: The mine problem remains the most serious humanitarian challenge in Karabakh, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, Hikmat Hajiyev, said while addressing representatives of the diplomatic corps at Karabakh University.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Hajiyev stated that Azerbaijan stands out globally for its reconstruction efforts in the post-conflict period. He emphasized that the country is rebuilding the liberated territories using its own financial resources along with institutional and administrative capacity. Currently, the construction of nine cities and hundreds of settlements is ongoing.
Hajiyev noted that Azerbaijan is prepared to share its experiences in urban planning and post-conflict reconstruction with international partners. He expressed readiness to share the encountered challenges and to gain new knowledge in the field of urban planning.
He emphasized that the mine threat is a critical issue in Karabakh, with more than 1.5 million mines planted in these territories. This mine coverage affects about 12-13% of Azerbaijan’s territory, making access to some areas impossible.
The presidential aide highlighted that demining is a crucial task requiring substantial financial and human resources. He described it as a life-saving mission where specialists work under high risk.
Hajiyev reported that since 2020, over 400 people have been killed or injured due to mine explosions, with civilians continuing to suffer from these incidents.
He also pointed out that the issue of missing persons remains unresolved, with nearly 4,000 Azerbaijanis still unaccounted for. The search for mass graves and witnesses is ongoing.
Addressing Armenian civil society, Hajiyev requested support to help families who have awaited news of their relatives for more than 30 years obtain information.
In conclusion, he affirmed that Azerbaijan will continue its efforts to ensure lasting peace in the region and to strengthen regional cooperation.