The mine problem in Karabakh remains the most serious humanitarian challenge.

Axar.az reports that this was stated by Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, during an address to members of the diplomatic corps at Karabakh University.

Hajiyev said that more than 1.5 million mines have been laid in these areas.

“This covers around 12–13 percent of Azerbaijan’s territory. Unfortunately, some areas remain inaccessible due to the mine threat,” he noted.

The presidential aide also drew attention to the issue of missing persons, stressing that it remains unresolved.

“We still have no information about the fate of nearly 4,000 Azerbaijanis. We continue searching for mass graves and witnesses,” he said.

Hikmat Hajiyev added that he has also appealed to representatives of Armenian civil society on this matter.

“I have asked representatives of Armenian civil society for support so that families who have been waiting for news of their loved ones for more than 30 years can obtain some information,” he said.