400 million square meters of Azerbaijan territory mined

Over 400 million square meters of the Azerbaijan territory are mined or there is unexploded ammunition there, executive director of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) Nazim Ismaylov told journalist.

"We conducted researches in 2003 and discovered 60 million square meters. But in 2003 we conducted new researches, with international companies taking part. These researches showed there is 10 times as much territory polluted by ammunition as it had been discovered before," Mr. Ismaylov said.

Today the agency does not have enough resources to clear such areas, he noted. "We have cleared 6 million square meters for three years of our activity. Today our resources let us clear up to 3 million square meters a year. We have prepared a strategic plan to deal with mines in Azerbaijan. It is designed for the period up to 2008. The realization of this plan will significantly increase our potential and we will be able to clear up to 10-12 million square meters a year," ANAMA director informed.

It costs $1.1 to clear one square meter of the territory, stressed Mr. Ismaylov.