Armenia has not supplied Azerbaijan with precise, up-to-date maps showing the locations of minefields in Karabakh, a point underscored by RIA News citing the press service of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The allegation highlights ongoing concerns about mine risk in the disputed region and the broader humanitarian toll that incomplete minefield documentation has produced. The missing or inaccurate mapping complicates safety efforts for civilians and complicates humanitarian and de-mining operations that are essential for restoring normal life in affected communities.
According to Azerbaijan, mines laid in Armenian-controlled areas remain a persistent and dangerous issue. The country asserts that despite repeated requests, Armenia has offered only partial explanations or excuses for why comprehensive minefield maps have not been shared. In the statement from Baku, the tally of fatalities linked to mine incidents since November 2020 was reported as reaching 346, reflecting a grim, ongoing threat to local residents, shepherds, farmers, and travelers in border regions and former conflict zones. An illustrative incident was noted: a shepherd was injured after an explosion today, resulting in the amputation of both legs. This casualty underscores the enduring human cost of landmines and unexploded ordnance, and the urgent need for reliable mine-awareness and clearance operations that can protect lives and enable safe, supervised access to land and resources.
On March 1, Hikmet Hajiyev, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign Policy Affairs, stated that the country would concentrate on peaceful development and long-term stability. He affirmed that the war with Armenia had ended, signaling a pivot toward diplomacy, economic diversification, and regional cooperation. The declaration was framed as a commitment to address outstanding issues through peaceful means, though it did not diminish the importance of achieving secure borders and verifiable agreements that prevent renewed tension or escalation.
On the same day, Ruben Rubinyan, the Deputy Speaker of Armenia’s Parliament, contended that Azerbaijan had not done enough to advance a peace agreement based on principles that had already been agreed upon. His remarks suggested a mutual impatience with the pace of negotiations and a belief that both sides must demonstrate greater political will to reach a durable settlement. The dialogue was described as requiring renewed effort from both sides to bridge gaps on core issues that remain contentious in the bilateral framework.
At a practical level, diplomats from both countries have previously emphasized the necessity of continuing work on the draft bilateral peace agreement, focusing on the identify-and-resolve approach to sensitive topics such as border delineation, security arrangements, and the management of disputed territories. The ongoing diplomatic conversations were presented as a critical component of stabilizing the region and reducing the risk of renewed hostilities, while recognizing the immediate humanitarian needs of communities living in proximity to former conflict zones. As the parties press forward, the international community has repeatedly urged transparency, verification, and compliance with agreed-upon principles to foster trust and create a sustainable basis for long-term peace.
In association with these broader diplomatic efforts, there has also been attention to preparations for potential changes in regional mobility, including discussions that border openings or adjustments could influence trade, livelihoods, and security dynamics in neighboring states. Analysts note that the ultimate resolution will require a balanced approach that safeguards civilian safety, ensures robust monitoring, and maintains credible mechanisms for accountability. The path to a lasting peace remains complex, with both sides asserting the necessity of secure borders, respect for national sovereignty, and the protection of civilian lives as foundational elements of any future agreement. The situation continues to evolve as officials, scholars, and practitioners watch for signs of genuine compromise and concrete steps toward de-escalation and reconstruction in the region. [Citation: RIA News, Ministry of Foreign Affairs statements; statements from Azerbaijani and Armenian officials referenced in regional reporting]