Envoy: US looking forward to Azerbaijan’s lands being completely cleared of mines

The US is looking forward to the day when Azerbaijan will be free of mines, US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mark Libby said in Agdam at the ceremony of presenting certificates to sappers, Report informs.

He noted that the US stands in solidarity with Azerbaijan in achieving the goal of complete demining of the territories.

“It is clear to anyone that landmine contamination here is a threat to lives and to prosperity. This is why the US is committed to reducing these threats worldwide and is the leading financial supporter of conventional weapons destruction. In fact, the US has invested $4.7 billion in over 100 countries since 1993. As part of that effort, the US has provided almost $38 million to Azerbaijan for demining operations,” he said.

“Today, I want to express my admiration and respect for these brave Azerbaijani experts, who have completed their training and will begin careers as professional deminers. I am especially delighted to see women among the new deminers. Empowering women means employing a country’s entire workforce, and drawing on their talents is the best way to meet any challenge. Your work will foster a quicker and safer return of displaced people to their homes.”

Mark Libby also expressed condolences to the loved ones of the victims of the mine explosion in Azerbaijan.

“The United States remains committed to supporting humanitarian mine action aimed at building the technical capacity of demining organizations and clearing deadly landmines and unexploded ordnance. We look forward to the day when Azerbaijan will be free of mines, and we stand with Azerbaijan in achieving this aim,” he added.