UK grants £500,000 for demining in Azerbaijan and Armenia

The British government today allocated an additional £ 500,000 to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to support demining in Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The latest funding will provide important training and expert advice to ensure territorial security, prevent injuries and save lives, Report informs.

James Cleverly, Minister for Europe and North America, said the UK's financial support would benefit from the UN's experience, reduce risks to civilian life in both Armenia and Azerbaijan, and allow people to rebuild their lives.

"In order to protect all nations in the region, the United Kingdom calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to sign UN conventions aimed at eliminating the use of anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions. We continue to urge the authorities to ensure that the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations can make the greatest possible contribution to promoting peace and development throughout the region."

UK's support for mine clearance in the region, one of the world's most heavily contaminated areas with mines and unexploded ordnance, exceeds £ 1 million.