Baku: Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, recently highlighted the significant challenges posed by landmine contamination in the reconstruction efforts of Azerbaijan. Addressing representatives of the diplomatic corps at the Khankendi Cultural Center, Hajiyev emphasized the immense effort required by the Azerbaijani government and its people to rebuild the affected regions, stating, “We started not from the zero, we started from the minus five.” He acknowledged the daunting task of reconstruction amidst the persistent threat of landmines, which continue to plague the area.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Hajiyev recounted a recent landmine incident that resulted in civilian injury, underscoring the ongoing threat these explosive remnants pose to the safety and progress of reconstruction activities. He affirmed the Azerbaijani government’s commitment to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring the dignified and safe return of former internally displaced persons (IDPs). Despite the challenges, Hajiyev expressed unwavering determination to advance the nation’s rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts.