Markov: Necessary to appeal to UN with demand to influence Armenia

It is necessary to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights and the UN with a demand to influence Armenia for issuing maps of minefields, Russian political scientist, director of the Center for Political Research Sergey Markov told the Russian bureau of Report, commenting on the killing of representatives of the Azerbaijani media in Kalbajar district as a result of a mine explosion.

"Armenia's failure to provide the map of minefields goes contrary to the agreement of November 10 last year. Minefield maps exist, since mines have been planted without haste for almost 30 years. There are maps, Armenia just wants to sell them, exchange them for something. In history, this trade has already brought Armenia to the catastrophe of defeat in the second Karabakh war,” Markov said.

The expert is sure that Azerbaijan’s appeals to international organizations can help in obtaining the maps of minefields: “First of all, it is necessary to appeal to the UN. The structures of this organization have long and traditionally been engaged in demining territories and combating infantry mines.”

At about 11.00 am on June 4, 2021, a Kamaz passenger car with employees of TV channels and news agencies dispatched to the de-occupied Kalbajar region for the performance of their official duties was hit by an anti-tank mine while driving in the direction of the Susuzlug village. Three people, including Siraj Abishov (cameraman of AzTV), Maharram Ibrahimov (employee of AzerTaj news agency), Arif Aliyev (deputy representative of the head of the Executive Power in the Susuzlug village) died, and four others were hospitalized with various injuries.

The Military Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan has launched a criminal case under Article 100.2 (planning, preparation, initiation, or waging wars of aggression), 116.0.6 (violation of international humanitarian law during an armed conflict), and other articles of the Criminal Code.

Investigation is underway.