The International Eurasia Press Fund and the Embassy of Japan in Azerbaijan held a presentation of the project "Provision of Tartar Mine Action Supply in Tartar Region" signed on March 9, 2022. The project followed by the opening ceremony with the participation of the Ambassador of Japan to Azerbaijan and president of IEPF.
IEPF President Umud Mirzayev, Ambassador of Japan to Azerbaijan Wada Chunici, Deputy Head of the Operations Department of the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA) Ramil Azizov and Head of the Terter District Executive Power Mustaqim Mammadov addressed the opening ceremony at the IEPF Tartar Regional Vocational Training Centre.
IEPF President Umud Mirzayev noted that the main goal of the project is to provide the Fund's Community Mine Action Team, which operates on behalf of ANAMA, with 11 mine detectors, 11 sets of protective clothing and Japanese Mitsubishi pick up vehicle to clear mines and unexploded ordnance in Tartar region. By providing all these equipment, it contributes to the clearing of mines and unexploded ordnance in Azerbaijan.
It was noted that the International Eurasia Press Fund's Community Mine Action Team has been clearing mines and unexploded ordnance in Azerbaijan for more than 20 years. In 2002-2022, a total of 156,261,899 square meters were cleared, 912 anti-tank, 1,326 anti-personnel mines and 11,218 unexploded ordnance have been found. The opening ceremony of the Tartar Demining Supply Project is the third aid project allocated by the Embassy of Japan to the IEPF under the Grassroots and Human Security Grant Assistance Program.
Ramil Azizov, Deputy head of ANAMA's Operations Department, spoke about the activities of the organization he represents. He said that providing the Community Mine Action team with a mine detector, protective clothing and pickup vehicle will contribute to mine and unexploded ordnance disposal activities in Azerbaijan and ensure safer conditions in the Tartar region.
Ambassador of Japan to Azerbaijan Wada Chunichi informed about the projects implemented by his country in Azerbaijan. He noted that about 280 projects have been implemented under the Grassroots and Human Security Grant Assistance Program so far. "Japan is a post-war country," he said.
"The Japanese people understand how difficult it is to develop again after the war. Therefore, the Japanese government and companies are ready to support the development, rehabilitation and demining of the liberated territories of Azerbaijan," Ambassador said.
Then the participants inspected mine detectors, protective clothing and a pickup vehicle manufactured by Mitsubishi Japan company.
