Azerbaijan calls on international community not to turn blind eye to Armenia's mine planting policy

"We call on the international community not to turn a blind eye to Armenia's mine planting policy," reads the statement of Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the death of civilians as a result of a mine explosion in the Aghdam district, Report informs.

"On March 16, 2023, 2 civilians were killed as a result of a mine explosion in the Agdam district. We offer our deepest condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased. Rest in peace!

"Thus, a total of 286 people have been victims of landmines since the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020. 49 of them died.

"The mine explosion in Aghdam once again shows that the main goal of Armenia, which has not provided Azerbaijan with valid and accurate mine maps, and continues military activities, transportation and placement of mines in the territory of Azerbaijan, grossly violating paragraph 6 of the Tripartite statement dated November 10, 2020, is to obstruct the large-scale reconstruction works, the civilian population operating in these areas, as well as the return of internally displaced persons and peaceful living in their places.

"These steps of Armenia continue to be the main obstacle to the realization of peace, security, and cooperation in the region.

"We call on the international community not to turn a blind eye to Armenia's gross violation of its international obligations, including the policy of deliberately placing mines, and to demand that Armenia fulfill its obligations under international law," reads the statement.