16 affected by mines in Azerbaijan in 2008

One person has been killed and 15 others injured in 13 incidents involving mines and unexploded ordnances in Azerbaijan this year, according to a local group working to counter explosives.

14 of the affected persons were civilians, including the killed individual, and two were servicemen. The explosions took place in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, Terter, and Khojavand districts, which are located on the frontline with Armenia, Hafiz Safikhanov, head of the Azerbaijan Public Union for Campaign against Mines, has said.

Safikhanov told a news conference Monday that for the first time in the former Soviet republics, loans began to be allocated to mine victims in Azerbaijan for the set-up of their own businesses, in an effort to promote their societal integration. Such interest-free credits have been provided since 2006.

“This project is currently under way. Two people from the Fuzuli and Terter districts each are participating in it. As part of the project, the victims from Fuzuli have received 2,500 euros, while those from Terter – 2,100 euros in financial assistance.”

The related projects are being financed by the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action.*