EU: We are ready to allocate more funds to Azerbaijan for demining process

"We support ANAMA in the field of demining, cooperate closely with UNDP and share our experiences," Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Azerbaijan Peter Michalko said at the international conference on humanitarian mine clearance activity held in Baku, e-huquq.az reports.

He said Azerbaijan and the EU are cooperating within the eco-program: “We are trying to meet the needs of those suffering from conflicts. Our organization has provided 2.5 million euros in assistance to ANAMA, of which 1.5 million was allocated for demining. Besides, allocated 500,000 euros through UNICEF. Demining of the liberated territories of the South Caucasus and Azerbaijan is important for the return of the population and the efficient use of these territories.

Michalko said they were ready to allocate more funds: “We work closely with ANAMA and UNDP. The EU understands well what war means and what the consequences are. Mines are a terrible weapon and do not differentiate between the military and the civilian population. For this reason, 80 percent of mine victims are children. Demining process is crucial for people, so these problems must be solved for the future of the population. We support the Ottawa Convention, which was ratified by 27 EU members. We also support the accession of Azerbaijan and other Caucasus countries to this Convention, and the EU will continue to support Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus, as well as assist in demining, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. ”