ZANGILAN, Azerbaijan, May 30. Significant progress is evident in the reconstruction efforts in Azerbaijan's liberated territories, CEO of the Dona Gracia Center for Diplomacy and Israel-based journalist Rachel Avraham said on the sidelines of the 3rd International Conference on Mine Action titled "Mitigating environmental impact of landmines: resource mobilization for a safe and green future" in Zangilan, Azerbaijan, Trend reports.
"This is the second time I've attended this conference, the seventh time I've been to Azerbaijan, and the fifth time I've visited Karabakh directly. I have a very positive impression of the country," she remarked.
Avraham highlighted that her visit to Karabakh shortly after the war revealed the complete destruction of the territories, with no roads or infrastructure in place.
"Look at Karabakh today. You have a beautiful conference center. Last year, the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) organized a wonderful conference at the Aghdam Conference Center. There was also a culinary festival in Shusha. I witnessed the construction of Fuzuli Airport, which has now been completed, and Zangilan Airport is operational. Azerbaijan is making significant progress," she noted.
The Israeli journalist added that progress is impeded by Armenia's failure to provide maps of minefields.
She observed that despite all obstacles, the region is experiencing rapid development, though this progress could have been even swifter if Armenia had provided maps of minefields. She stressed that the international community should impose sanctions on Armenia until they hand over the maps of minefields.
The 3rd International Conference on Mine Action began its work in Zangilan, jointly organized by the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The conference is attracting significant international attention, with over 300 delegates from 75 countries participating. Among the attendees are high-ranking officials from various nations, senior UN staff, representatives from prominent international organizations, officials from demining centers worldwide, and diplomats accredited in Azerbaijan.
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