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Over 6,000 mines and unexploded shells cleared during three months in Azerbaijan

Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict Materials 18 May 2006 12:47 (UTC +04:00)

Azerbaijan national Agency for mine Action (ANAMA) have cleared over 6,000 mines and unexploded shells within the last three months in Azerbaijan, Trend reports quoting Nazim Ismayilov, Director of ANAMA.

В"We find 400 to 500 shells or mines every dayВ", - Ismayilov said, stressing that 4 unexploded bombs dropped from Armenian choppers have been cleared May 18 in Agjabedi area.

Regarding international support, Director said $13mln have been spent for the work to date, from which 20% have been allotted by Azeri government and the rest by various donor organizations and countries. Further, $7mln were issued by US Government.

В"As you can see, accidents are still going on, which requires ANAMAs activity extension. There are no grounds to conceal casualties. The agency itself in concerned in publishing information of its work for public awareness and prevention of accidentsВ", - he added, stating the death or injury of over 1,800 citizens of the republic as a result of mines or shells explosion.

Islmayilov said also all mines and shells being destroyed in Azerbaijan are made in former USSR. В"However, we suggest accumulation of weapon of different countries in Nagorno-Karabakh, including mines made in China, Italy, Pakistan; moreover, Armenians produce mines themselves. All that awaits us in the futureВ", - Director concluded.



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