05.05.08	ITF-ANAMA EVALUATION MISSION: THE PROJECT SUCCESSFULLY PROGRESSES
22.04.08	ANAMA ATTENDED A NUMBER OF MEETINGS
08.04.08	THE CELEBRATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR MINE AWARENESS IN ANAMA REGIONAL BASES
04.04.08	THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR MINE AWARENESS AND ASSISTANCE IN MINE ACTION
02.04.08	PRESS CONFERENCE IN COMMEMORATION OF INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR MINE AWARENESS
21.03.08	US ORGANIZATION OF AZERBAIJANIS RECEIVED T-SHIRTS FROM ANAMA
08.03.08	ANAMA DIRECTOR PAID A VISIT TO NATO HQ
04.03.08	THE BIG BANG RESEARCH PROJECT IS IN PROGRESS
07.02.08	ANAMA ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE MODIFIED
06.02.08	UNICEF INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY FOR MINE RISK EDUCATION TO BE ADOPTED IN AZERBAIJAN
26.12.07	ANAMA PARTICIPATED IN THE VIENNA CONFERENCE ON CLUSTER MUNITIONS
19.12.07	ANAMA SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITH AZRCS
23.11.07	WWM - ANAMA JOINT PROJECT
20.11.07	ANAMA PARTICIPATED IN THE MINE ACTION SENIOR MANAGEMENT COURSE
19.11.07	MINE SURVIVORS WILL RECEIVE MICRO-CREDITS FOR BUSINESS START-UP
10.10.07	MRE PROGRAM IN AZERBAIJAN WILL BE FURTHER SUPPORTED BY UNITED STATES EUROPEAN COMMAND
03.10.07	MINE DISABLERS RECEIVED WHEELCHAIRS
14.09.07	THE PRIORITIES HAVE BEEN SET
30.07.07	UNDP RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE VISITED ANAMA
12.07.07	WHEELCHAIRS FOR MINE DISABLED PEOPLE IN AZERBAIJAN
	ANAMA HOSTED GUESTS FROM ABROAD
04.07.07	PRESS CONFERENCE DEDICATED TO THE SALOGLU PROJECT
	SALOGLU PROJECT DISCUSSED DURING THE MEETING WITH NAMSA MAJOR GENERAL KARL-HEINZ MüNZNER
06.06.07	MEMORANDUM ON UNDERSTANDING SIGNED BETWEEN ANAMA AND ROTARY CLUB OF BAKU INTERNATIONAL
04.06.07	US DOS HAS AWARDED 187.084 USD TO AZERBAIJAN MINE ACTION PROGRAM
31.05.07	AGDAM REGION: ONE MORE UXO REMOVED - ONE MORE HOUSE SAVED
22.05.07	THE LIVES OF TENS OF PEOPLE RESCUED FROM …
01.05.07	ANAMA PARTICIPATED IN THE 17th MEETING OF SEEMACC
	ANAMA ATTENDED THE 4th INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM "HUMANITARIAN DEMINING - 2007", in CROATIA
10.04.07	PRESS CONFERENCE IN COMMEMORATION OF INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR MINE AWARENESS
09.04.07	THANKS LETTER BY UNDPI REPRESENTATIVE, ENVERA SELIMOVIC
09.04.07	INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR MINE AWARENESS AND ASSISTANCE IN MINE ACTION
04.04.07	ANAMA ATTENDED THE 10th INTERNATIONAL MEETING OF MINE ACTION
03.04.07	CONFIDENCE BUILDING THROUGH MINE ACTION
06.03.07	"Clearance of Unexploded Ordnances in Azerbaijan" Project was presented in the NATO PfP Trust Fund
05.03.07	Railway Clearance Training
23.02.07	MG Deputy Commander, US Marine Corps Forces Europe, Mr. Andrew B. Davis highly valued ANAMA's activities
16.02.07	ANAMA Director attended the meeting of PMSC
	U.S Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, Mr. Michael Colter visited ANAMA HQs
25.11.06	DEMINING AND THE PROBLEM OF WAR MISSING PEOPLE
23.11.06	MINE VICTIM NEEDS ADDRESSED
20.11.06	AZERBAIJAN: WORKING WITH JOURNALISTS TO REDUCE IMPACT OF MINES AND EXPLOSIVE REMNANTS OF WAR
01.11.06	MINE VICTIMS WILL GAIN NEW PROFESSIONS
01.11.06	LANDMINE AMPUTEE WHEELCHAIR PROVIDED
13.10.06	VISIT OF MDD TRAINERS
11.10.06	ANAMA ORGANIZED A PAINTING CONTEST UNDER A MOTTO OF "MINES FREE WORLD"
23.09.06	"US GOVERNMENT WILL FURTHER FACILITATE AZERBAIJAN MINE ACTION PROGRAM"- GENERAL WILLIAM E. (KIP) WARD, DEPUTY COMMANDER OF THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE US EUROPEAN COMMAND
22.09.06	EC REPRESENTATIVE PARTICIPATED IN THE SIGNING OF THE PROJECT BETWEEN ANAMA AND NNGOs
12.09.06	MV-4 MECHANICAL DEMINING FLAIL HAS BEEN DELIVERED TO AZERBAIJAN
11.09.06	8 NEW MDDs ARRIVED IN AZERBAIJAN
07.09.06	MEMORANDUM ON COOPERATION BETWEEN ANAMA AND ITF WAS SIGNED
20.07.06	ANAMA MONITORED CLEARANCE OPERATIONS WITHIN THE HIGH-PRIORITY PROJECT IN FIZULI
17.07.06	ANAMA ATTENDED THE 9TH INTERNATIONAL MEETING OF MINE ACTION
14.07.06	MVA PROJECT GIVES ITS FIRST POSITIVE EFFECTS
24.06.06	FIRST PROJECT ON MVA IN AZERBAIJAN
21.06.06	COOPERATION WITH UNICEF ON MRE IS FURTHER CONTINUED
	AS A RESULT OF MRE ACTIVITY, ONE MORE ANTI-TANK MINE WAS DESTROYED
16.06.06	EOD BOT JOINS THE OPERATIONS
15.06.06	EC MISSION EVALUATES ANAMA's ACTIVITY
31.05.06	ANAMA-ITF: COOPERATION TOWARDS SUPPORT MINE ACTION ACTIVITIES IN AZERBAIJAN
26.05.06	CONTINUED MRE ACTIVITY GIVES SUCCESSFUL RESULTS
23.05.06	BASIC DEMINING COURSE
	MDD LICENSING OPERATIONS
22.05.06	ANAMA CONTINUES DEVELOPING THE MECHANICAL DEMINING CAPACITY
	ANAMA ATTENDED THE 3RD INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM "HUMANITARIAN DEMINING 2006" IN CROATIA
13.04.06	HALO TRUST ORGANIZATION CONDUCTS MILITARY EXERCISES IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH (article from "Novoye Vremya" newspaper 13 April 2006)
05.04.06	ANAMA JOINS WORLD COMMUNITY IN CELEBRATING 4 APRIL - INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR MINE AWARENESS AND ASSISTANCE IN MINE ACTION
14.03.06	HOUSE CLEARANCE TRAINING
	ANAMA STAFF TRAINED IN IMSMA V4.0
	ANAMA JOINS ROTARY IN AZERBAIJAN
07.03.06	INFORMATION RELIABILITY IN HUMANITARIAN MINE ACTION WILL BE INCREASED
06.03.06	ANAMA - LSN BOSNIA&HERZEGOVINA: FOUNDATION OF COOPERATION
01.03.06	LANDMINE VICTIM FROM AZERBAIJAN WILL RECEIVE REHABILITATION TREATMENT IN SLOVENIA
27.02.06	IMSMA 4.0 ROLL-OUT - JANUARY 25, 2006, ISTANBUL
14.02.06	NEW EOD SPECIALISTS TRAINED FOR SALOGLU PROJECT
02.02.06	THE GOVERNMENT OF SAUDI ARABIA DONATE US$ 50 000 TO SUPPORT MINE ACTION IN AZERBAIJAN
21.01.06	GENERAL CHARLES F. "CHUCK" WALD, DEPUTY COMMANDER OF USEUCOM DEPUTY COMMAND COMMENDS AZERBAIJAN MINE ACTION PROGRAM
09.01.06	MINE VICTIM RECEIVES A GIFT FOR NEW YEAR HOLIDAY
05.01.06	ONE KILLED AS A RESULT OF UXO EXPLOSION in AGHSTAFA
29.12.05	UXO REMOVED FROM YARD IN AGHDAM DISTRICT
07.12.05	AZERBAIJAN IS IN FAVOUR OF OTTAWA PROCESS
07.12.05	DEADLY MENACE OF THE WAR IS STILL POSING A THREAT TO PEOPLE
03.12.05	MINE RISK EDUCATION EFFORTS GIVE EXPECTED RESULTS
01.12.05	UXO KNOWLEDGE CREATION FOR NATO - AZERBAIJAN PROJECT
22.11.05	"UXO PROBLEM WORLDWIDE IS A HERITAGE OF COLD WAR" - NATO SECRETARY GENERAL SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE AT SALOGLU PROJECT INAUGURATION CEREMONY
14.11.05	UXO CLEARANCE PROJECT TO START
26.10.05	ANAMA RESPONDS TO VIOLENT EXPLOSION IN AGSTAFA
24.10.05	NEW DEMINERS TO BE PUT OPERATIONAL
10.10.05	REGIONAL COOPERATION AND CONFIDENCE BUILDING THROUGH MINE ACTION
06.10.05	SOUTH AFRICA TAKES INTEREST IN MINE ACTION IN AZERBAIJAN
28.09.05	ANAMA ATTENDED THE 8TH INTERNATIONAL MEETING OF MINE ACTION
27.09.05	HIDDEN ENEMY TAKES ONE MORE HUMAN LIFE
22.09.05	MINE ACTION INTEGRATED IN STATE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN
16.09.05	ArmorGroup to Replace RONCO in Azerbaijan
14.09.05	NEW REPRESENTATIVE OF UNHCR IN AZERBAIJAN VISITS ANAMA HQs
14.09.05	ANAMA HOSTED THE REPRESENTATIVE OF EMBASSY of CANADA TO TURKEY
25.08.05	HEAVY MACHINE TO LIGHTEN MINE CLEARANCE
19.08.05	US EUCOM increases UXO clearance capacity
	Eight New Mine Detection Dogs
	AP MINE KILLED A SOLDIER
02.08.05	BEWARE OF MINES !!!
29.07.05	UNICEF Supports Summer Camps for War-Affected Children
20.07.05	BOZENA - 4 Mechanical Demining Machine Puts Up Good Results in Demining
20.07.05	The Government of Azerbaijan receives Appreciation Letter from Marshall Legacy Institute
04.07.05	ANAMA Training & Quality Assurance Team Leader visited the Training Centre of Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief of Slovenia
02.07.05	ANAMA MRE Officer Attends Field Epidemiology for Mine Action Training Course
01.07.05	ANAMA Comes Up with Azerbaijan Position Towards Ottawa Convention
20.06.05	Appreciation Letter by ICRC
17.06.05	ANAMA hosts Press Conference on MDDs and Mine Risk Education Project
	FIZULI DISTRICT CITIZEN INJURED IN MINE EXPLOSION
	TRAINING IN THE EVALUATION OF MINE ACTION PROGRAMMES
27.05.05	MINE RISK EDUCATION ANSWERS THE REQUIREMENTS OF MoU RATIFIED
26.05.05	AUSTRALIAN MINE ACTION SUPPORT FOR NATO - LANDMINE ACTION WEEK 2005 (Information by PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE, Australia)
23.05.05	NEW BOZENA-5 MECHANICAL DEMINING MACHINE CONTRIBUTES IN CLEARANCE PROGRESS IN AZERBAIJAN
20.05.05	OTTAWA CONVENTION ON AGENDA
17.05.05	PROMOTING RESILIENCY AND RECOVERY
17.05.05	Executive Board's Members of UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF and WFP Visit Mine Action
16.05.05	TRAGEDY IN GANJA SCHOOL
11.05.05	TRANSPARENCY AND OPENNESS: THESE ARE WHAT ANAMA STANDS FOR
06.05.05	COUNTRYWIDE MINE VICTIM NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY REPORT
06.05.05	ANAMA REPRESENTED AT THE INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
04.05.05	BOZENA-5 MEDIUM FLAIL MACHINE TO ARRIVE TO AZERBAIJAN
04.05.05	MINE VICTIM ASSISTANCE: MOVING FROM THE NEW POSITION
12.04.05	DONORS MEETING 2005 - UNDP AND ANAMA TAKE NEXT STEP TOWARDS MINE-FREE AZERBAIJAN
06.04.05	ANAMA 2005 Document now available in pdf file
06.04.05	UNDP and ANAMA to Brief Donors on Mine Action Situation
23.03.05	Operations staff attends the Information Management Course
16.03.03	ANAMA Demonstrates Advanced Skills in Georgia
16.02.05	ANAMA to implement NATO Project in Azerbaijan
31.01.05	European Commission evaluates Mine Action in Azerbaijan
13.01.05	One Local Injured because of AT Mine Explosion
05.01.05	Mine Victim receives assistance from ANAMA Mine Victim Support Fund
04.01.05	THREE MORE LOCALS BECAME VICTIMS OF ORDNANCE EXPLOSION DURING CATTLE GRAZING
23.12.04	ANAMA shares Mine Action Experience at the 13th of Meeting SEEMACC
08.12.04	ANAMA ensures mine and UXO safety for IDPs return to their homelands
14.11.04	A MINE LAID UNDERGROUND FOR YEARS 'PROVED' ITSELF
11.11.04	DONORS VOTE FOR INCREASE OF DE-MINING CAPACITY IN AZERBAIJAN
05.10.04	Additional Demining Capacity to be Put Operational
01.10.04	South-Eastern Mine Action in Azerbaijan
22.09.04	OSCE expresses positive impressions on ANAMA efforts
17.09.04	MINE EXPLOSION CAUSED AN AMPUTATION
28.08.04	Cooperative Best Efforts: US EUCOM and ANAMA empowering community based MRE
26.08.04	Society pays attention to Mine Victim Assistance
10.08.04	ANAMA: live on TV
07.08.04	EC, UNDP, Italy and the Government of Azerbaijan gave an impetus to the clearance productivity
20.07.04	Twenty attendees successfully graduated from MRE Train-the-Trainer Courses
13.07.04	Basic Demining Course' training Completed
08.07.04	Overview of the Progress
28.06.04	ANAMA Mechanical Demining Machine Capacity Put in Place
	One person injured during agricultural activities
07.06.04	Survivors will be asked to share concerns
04.06.04	Integrated Mine Action for Excellence
02.06.04	Mine explosion in former vineyard
29.05.04	Soldier injured in Mine Incident
19.05.04	Mechanical Demining Capacity to be laid in Azerbaijan
15.05.04	"DONORS SUPPORT SHALL NOT CONFLICT WITH AZERBAIJAN LAW" - Article in "Zerkalo" Newspaper
15.05.04	Interview with ANAMA Director Mr Nazim Ismaylov in Baku Sun Newspaper
14.05.04	Anti tank mine takes 4 human lives
12.05.04	Ministry of Education, UNICEF and ANAMA to boost Mine Risk Education
04.05.04	Azerbaijan Mine Action discussed at NATO HQs in Brussels
26.04.04	Mechanical Demining Equipment on the way to Azerbaijan
	Anti-tank mine kills father of three children
	Mine safety clarified on the areas assigned for the construction of new IDP settlements in Agdam district
09.04.04	US Funded Facilities Completed
05.04.04	Tractor driver dies in land mine explosion
	New Trauma Kits enhanced ANAMA medical support system
26.03.04	MRE briefing for American Peace Corps volunteers
11.03.04	Mine destroyed … Life rescued
19.02.04	One more Victim of Saloglu
16.02.04	ANAMA Warns
15.01.04	Former Times under the Mine Detector
	Mine Risk Education: The Effective Way to Save Lives by Musa Jalalov and Vagif Sadigov ANAMA Supports Mine Survivor Activities in Azerbaijan by Rauf Mamedov Priority Setting for Mine Action by Lutful Kabir and Emil Hasanov
21.11.03	ANAMA hosts Mine Risk Education (MRE) Training
10.11.03	Charitable Fund established
18.10.03	ANAMA Staff Members Support Disabled Children
03.10.03	US Ambassador praises ANAMA
	ANAMA Provides Access to Water for Saloglu Population
30.09.03	European Commission handed over equipment to ANAMA
20.09.03	UXO Explosion resulted in physical injuriest
	South-East Europe Regional IMSMA Workshop in Baku (September 2003)
	Three articles on ANAMA activities published in MAIC Journal of Mine Action, issue 7.2. You can visit them at: http://www.maic.jmu.edu/journal/7.2/focus/aliyev/aliyev.htm http://www.maic.jmu.edu/journal/7.2/focus/mamedov/mamedov.htm ttp://www.maic.jmu.edu/journal/7.2/focus/rzayeva/rzayeva.htm
	Yet another Mine……
19.09.03	A Mine Incident
Jul-Aug 2003
	Training activities Recent mine incidents IMSMA training Mine Risk Education (MRE) A pilot MVA survey in Fizuli district undertaken TMAC and MAX (Mine Action Exchange Program) of UNDP Second regional office in Khanlar Cranfield Mine Action: Azerbaijan case study
02.07.03	US EUCOM Increases Mine Action Capacity in Azerbaijan
26.06.03	Fundraising Process Launched
24.06.03	Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action to hold Donors Conference on Saloglu Project
07.06.03	Cranfield Specialists Assist in Providing Mine Safety in Azerbaijan
02.06.03	Two deaths: UXO explosion in scrap metal shop in Baku
04.06.03	Missions to ANAMA Continue
29.05.03	United Kingdom Contributes US$ 250,000 to Azerbaijan Mine Action Program
16.05.03	Successful Cooperation Initiated
13.05.03	Successful Destruction of 453 UXOs
02.05.03	The Government of Italy Provide a contribution of 200,000 Euro to Azerbaijan Mine Action Program
22.04.03	It's De-Mining Work but It's Got to Be Done  (BBC)
22.04.03	(AFP)  Azerbaijan-Armenia-Nagorno-mines sched-feature Azerbaijan's farmers reap grim harvest of war by Christian Lowe
10.04.03	ANAMA to Acquire Mechanical Demining Machine
02.04.03	Memorandum of Understanding Signed
01.04.03	During the period 17 - 20 March 2003 Director of ANAMA attended the 6th InternationalMeeting of Mine Action Programme Directors and Advisors
29.03.03	First Meeting of Mine Victim Assistance Working Group
07.03.03	UNDP and ANAMA to Brief Donors on Mine Action Situation
25.02.03	Mine Clearance in Khanlar district
05.02.03	NATO NAMSA visit
26.12.02	ANAMA Facilitates Resumption of Safe and Normal Life in Mine Affected Districts
15.11.02	Fizuli village clear of mines
11.11.02	Mine Victim Support Coordination will be one of the main activities in 2003
01.11.02	Landmines' Socio-Economic Impact Survey is fielded
23.10.02	ANAMA and UNICEF continue Mine Risk Education Project in Azerbaijan
17.10.02	UNDP Mine Action Exchange Project
09.10.02	Intent is to clear vineyards from mines and resume viniculture

 

 

 

 

05.05.08

ITF-ANAMA EVALUATION MISSION: THE PROJECT SUCCESSFULLY PROGRESSES

According to the tripartite Agreement signed on October 10, 2007, ANAMA and International Trust Fund for Mine Clearance and Mine Victim Assistance (ITF) are the Contracting Authorities and the Mission of the International Organization of Migration in Azerbaijan (IOM- Azerbaijan) is the Implementing Agency within the project titled "The Community Based Small Business Trainings and Micro-credit Revolving Fund for Azerbaijan Mine Survivors". The Project is being funded for 70% by the Austrian Development Agency. The rest of the budget is covered by contributions from the governments of Korea, Slovenia and Azerbaijan.

The Project is being implemented in five districts of Azerbaijan and envisaged the integrated approach to micro-credits and will provide mine survivors the possibility to obtain small loans for start-up or expansion of small business through social intermediation, training on business skills and counseling for beneficiaries identified based on the results of the Mine Survivors' Needs Assessment conducted under the auspices of ANAMA in 2004.

As it was scheduled, on April 22-24, 2008 Mr. Luka Buhin (ITF) and Mr. Aziz Aliyev (ANAMA) have undertaken the first semi-annual evaluation mission within the Project. First meeting held in IOM's office in Baku and related to the interim results and how they seen from the offices of the contracting authorities. The IOM suggested to arrange training sessions for mine survivors women with subsequent micro-crediting of their self-employment activities in two other districts. Effective use of revolving fund was also a subject for the discussion.

About 60 mine survivors have already passed training on business skills and counseling, 38 of them have received micro-credits for business start-up within the project. Last group of twenty from Goranboy district have received the opportunity for additional income generation and improving their living conditions on April 18, 2008.

Evaluation Mission, accompanied by the IOM's Project Manager Mr. Ashraf Mirzazade and Programme Liaison Ms. Sevda Mirzakhanaova, has visited a number of micro-credit implementation sites in Ganja and Barda districts. The borrowers have demonstrated commitment to the success both, in their business and in relations with the project. It is clear for all that it will need hard work to do. In Goranboy the Mission had the meeting with mine survivors who have received micro-credits recently. First impression of the Mission of what have been observed was positive. The documents related to the project activities have been also audited IOM's office in Mingechevir.

It has been noted during all the days of the Mission work that there is still enough room for improvement in coordination of activities within the Project and for further cooperation.

 

 

 

22.04.08

ANAMA ATTENDED A NUMBER OF MEETINGS

On April 10-11, 2008 ANAMA as the member of Big Bang Research Advisory Panel participated in the Mine Cancellation Workshop in Slovenia which was organized by Survey Action Center, US. It is a part of Big Bang Research initiative implemented by the Advisory Panel consisting of different mine action actors including representatives of Marshall Legacy Institute, US DoS PM/WRA, UNDP and number of mine action NGOs.

On April 14-15, 2008 ANAMA Director Mr. Nazim Ismaylov participated in the Eleventh International Meeting of Mine Action Programme Directors and UN advisors which was organized by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and the UN Mine Action Team, with the support of the International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance (ITF) and the Croatian Mine Action Centre - Centre for Testing Development and Training (CROMAC - CTRO).

This annual meeting is a significant one for the mine action community. It represents an opportunity for stakeholders to meet and assess the progress and challenges of the sector. Participants of the gathering comprises senior officials from mine action programmes, colleagues from United Nations departments and agencies, international non-governmental organizations, experts from donor governments and other mine action implementing partners.

On April 16, 2008 ANAMA Director attended the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation conducted in Vienna. The mine action activities implemented in affected countries discussed within the frame of the meeting. Mr. Nazim Ismaylov briefed the participants on the ANAMA experience in establishing and developing the national mine action capacity. As a follow to the briefing ANAMA Director delivered the presentation reflected "Clearance of unexploded ordnances in Azerbaijan" Project, in other words Saloglu Clearance Project.

On April 17, 2008 ANAMA Director met with the representatives of the Way Industry Company. With the participation of the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia signed the contract on procurement of new Bozena-5 mechanical demining machine. Bozena-5 medium flail system meets all the requirements of humanitarian demining standards. The event was widely broadcasted by the State TV stations of the country.

 

 

 

08.04.08

THE CELEBRATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR MINE AWARENESS IN ANAMA REGIONAL BASES

On 4 April 2008 according to the task of ANAMA Director the very day was also celebrated in the regional bases of ANAMA. A meeting by 'Mine Victims Association' members which was supported by Tovuz and Gazakh Executive Authority representatives, organized in Aghstafa district by the initiative of IEPF Director, was broadcasted on Local TV channel. The second ceremony with the participation of school teachers, students, local authority representatives and parents was organized by International Eurasia Press Fund deminers in Shikharkh secondary school. The second important activity of the Day was the setting up billboards and mine warning signs in the entrances of a newly identified mine/UXO hazardous area. 'Relief' Azerbaijan is one of the implementing partners of ANAMA which currently conducts operations in Aghjabedy district visited the local school in Kurdlar village and organized a school wide ceremony to commemorate the day. With the participation of village volunteers they erected a billboard in dangerous village area. TQAT officers had an opportunity to pay a visit to Tezekend village school of Aghdam district and the UXO team members in Saloghlu village school of Aghstafa district, meet the pedagogical staff and conduct questioning on safe behaviour rules and messages among the schoolchildren and the parents that attended the ceremonies.

 

 

 

04.04.08

THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR MINE AWARENESS AND ASSISTANCE IN MINE ACTION

On 4 April 2008, USA Ambassador to Azerbaijan, H.E. Mrs. Anne Derse and accompanying persons visited ANAMA HQs in commemoration The International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

ANAMA Director Mr. Nazim Ismaylov presented detailed information on current status and activities implemented by the Agency in addition to ANAMA documentary demonstrated at the beginning of the meeting. He noted that the United States is one of the key donors of mine action activities in Azerbaijan and appreciated US contributions in 2008 to mine clearance operations, in support of Saloglu project and for procurement of mine clearance machines.

In its turn, Mrs. Derse delivered a statement reflecting the value being given by the US Government to cooperation with ANAMA: "Since 1998, ANAMA has played a leading role in identifying and clearing mines, assisting victims and educating the public about the dangers of landmines and UXO. The United States is proud to support ANAMA's work and since 2000, has provided almost 15 million dollars in assistance to ANAMA. ANAMA's work in clearing and securing areas which were once conflict zones is essential to Azerbaijan's long-term economic development and a peaceful future in the South Caucasus". She especially emphasized that ANAMA has gained success in Azerbaijan, as well as in the world. Its positive reputation is also recognized internationally.

At the end she acknowledged ANAMA on its accomplishments and wished successful work in upcoming years.

The meeting was widely broadcasted by the TV channels, newspapers and info agencies.

It'd be noted that The International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action was also celebrated in the regional bases of ANAMA and the project sites of its mine action partners. Meetings with mine victims, MRE activities in the schools of mine-affected districts, setting up billboards and mine warning signs were the objectives of the day.

The International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action was declared by the UN General Assembly and celebrated in 2006 for the first time. It calls for continued efforts by states, with the assistance of the United Nations and relevant organizations, to foster the establishment and development of national mine-action capacities in countries where mines and explosive remnants of war constitute a serious threat to the safety, health and lives of the civilian population, or an impediment to social and economic development at the national and local levels.

 

 

 

02.04.08

PRESS CONFERENCE IN COMMEMORATION OF INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR MINE AWARENESS

The press conference held in Baku Office of the RIA Novosti and was the initiative of the "Dirchelish" ("Revival") Centre of Social and Psychological Rehabilitation for Youth and ANAMA. The public event has been organized by UNDPI and RIA Novosti Information Agency. Three mine victims from Qazax, Tovuz and Naxchivan participated at the conference.

In his opening words the Dirchelish's Director Mr. Islam Bakhshaliyev said: "April 4 is designated by UN General Assembly as a day of remembrance for raising public awareness about the danger of landmines and explosive remnants of war"., Mr. Aziz Aliyev, Information Manager, ANAMA, presented the recent data on mine action activities conducted by the Agency and its partners. Ms. Envera Selimovic (UNDPI-Azerbaijan) called media representatives widely broadcast the problems of people suffered from the mines and unexploded ordnances.

According to the Statement made by the UN General Secretary on occasion this Day, each year mine action programmers around the world are clearing landmines from more than 100 square kilometers of land and teaching more than 7 million people how to avoid danger in infested areas. These efforts have helped reduce casualty rates. Although nearly 6000 people fell victim to landmines and explosive remnants of war in 2007, these numbers are dramatically lower than they were only a few years ago. Still, the only acceptable casualty rate is zero.

The press conference received wide media coverage by information agencies, leading newspapers and TV stations.

 

 

 

21.03.08

US ORGANIZATION OF AZERBAIJANIS RECEIVED T-SHIRTS FROM ANAMA

On 21 March, 2008, in Houston fifty Azerbaijani families living in USA got together on occasion of Novruz Bayram, lovely holiday of nations in Central Eurasia to celebrate the incoming of spring.

During the ceremony Mr. Rustam Aliyev, the General Field Engineer and HPHT Champion of Schlumburger Company, temporarily working in US, and his wife Leyla handed over the T-shirts with MRE messages to the representative of the non-for profit organization Houston Azerbaijanis (www.houstonazerbaijanis.org). The items have been produced by ANAMA with the financial support of USEUCOM and contained the logos of these two entities as well.

The T-shirts were presented from ANAMA for raising awareness of Azerbaijanis settled in USA on mine problem in Azerbaijan, on mine action activities to alleviate human suffering and facilitate development of war-torn territories, for promoting the cooperation of many years between USEUCOM and ANAMA.

 

 

08.03.08

ANAMA DIRECTOR PAID A VISIT TO NATO HQ

On 5-7 March 2008, ANAMA director paid a visit to NATO HQ, Brussels to participate the PMSC meeting and make the presentation on current status of Saloglu Project as well as discuss the perspectives for future activities including the organization of the NATO/PfP/EAPC Trust Fund Workshop which is planning to be held on June 26-27 in Azerbaijan.

During the number of meetings with project's donors, the results of the recent NAMSA monitoring and evaluation mission to Azerbaijan and launching of the Third Phase of the Project have been also discussed.

 

 

 

04.03.08

THE BIG BANG RESEARCH PROJECT IS IN PROGRESS

On April 10-11 Mine Cancellation Workshop in Slovenia will be organized by Survey Action Center, US. It is a part of Big Bang Research initiative implemented by the Advisory Panel consisting of different mine action actors including representatives of Marshall Legacy Institute, US DoS PM/WRA, UNDP and number of mine action NGOs. The Advisory Panel exists to improve the study's results and acceptance in the mine action community and provide mine action actors as well as donors with estimates/evaluates and plans in order to outline the future strategies for global mine action activity. ANAMA as the member of Big Bang Research Advisory Panel will also participate in the mentioned workshop.

One of the events within the range of activities in this regards was a mission to Azerbaijan by Mr. Robert Eaton, Executive Director, SAC and Mr. Alistair Craib, Demining Advisor, Baric (Consultants) Ltd on early February, 2008. The purpose of visit was to draw on current experience and develop draft international standards to further enhance the effectiveness of land cancellation and to encourage wide spread use.

 

 

 

07.02.08

ANAMA ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE MODIFIED

One of the main terms for the overall activities conducted by ANAMA is the observance of the key implementation principles of safety, efficiency and effectiveness.

All ANAMA strategy is built on these principles and new objectives outlined within the Operational plan for 2008 generated the necessity to modify the existing Agency’s operational structure to meet the challenges ahead.

Thus, ANAMA training and quality assurance team (TQAT) will be transformed to Training, Quality Assurance and Survey Division to be responsible not only for identification of training needs of the field staff and delivering specific training and refresh training, conducting monitoring procedures and control QA/QC operations but also will implement resurvey operations on targeted suspected hazardous areas (SHA) to cancel/release land. These changes will help to address a new operational methodologies and approaches, and prepare a substantive base for elaboration of appropriate operational standards to ensure the effective and safe methods for releasing land from mines and UXOs.

Another change took place within ANAMA Operations Department’s structure. In connection with the fact that ANAMA Operations Manager Mr. Emil Hasanov has left Agency, Mr. Samir Poladov (former Operations Officer) was appointed for Operations Manager position.

 

 

 

06.02.08

UNICEF INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY FOR MINE RISK EDUCATION TO BE ADOPTED IN AZERBAIJAN

The seminar on 'UNICEF/international experience on financial hand over strategy of Mine Risk Education into the state budgets' was organized by the initiative of UNICEF/Azerbaijan office on January 30, 2008 in Baky.

A number of guests including representatives from UNICEF Headquarters Mr. Sharif Baaser, Programme specialist, Mine Action Landmines and Small Arms Office of the Emergency Programs and Deputy resident representative from UNDPI/Azerbaijan (Mrs. Noura Hamladji), representatives from the ICRC (Mr.Herbi Elmazi), Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society, from related ministries, international and national organizations have attended the meeting.

Mr. Nazim Ismaylov, ANAMA director who chaired the seminar has greeted all the guests on behalf of Government of Azerbaijan and briefed the participants on recent achievements in mine action activities and role of UNDP and ANAMA in the state Program on development of war-torn areas and repatriation of IDPs and refugees.

Mrs. Gillian Wilcox, UNICEF representative talked about joint UNICEF-ANAMA collaboration in MRE and Mine Victim Assistance rojects. She emphasized the significance of MRE activity as an effective tool for decreasing mine/ERW incidents among the school children and civilians.

Mr. Musa Jalalov, MRE Department manager made a presentation on the activities implemented to date throughout mine affected regions of Azerbaijan. During the presentation the overall support provided so far by UNICEF, USA EUROCOM and European Commission through UNDP have been noted and strategic goals and plans for MRE activity have been presented.

Mr. Sharif Baaser, a guest from UNICEF HQs, made a presentation on UN Mine Action strategy. He noted the importance and effectiveness of ANAMA activities, overviewed the global mine/ERW victim statistics, and explained the main idea of 'UNICEF/international experience on financial hand over strategy of Mine Risk Education into the state budgets'.

It has also been underscored that UNICEF would prepare a draft of MRE strategy for 2008/09 which should be financially supported by UNICEF and adopted by ANAMA. Thus, during two upcoming years, MRE activities should be fully undertaken and funded by the national government as well as the close collaboration with UNICEF in this direction should be further continued until mine/ERW threat is removed throughout Azerbaijan.

 

 

 

26.12.07

ANAMA PARTICIPATED IN THE VIENNA CONFERENCE ON CLUSTER MUNITIONS

On 4-7 December 2007, government delegations from about 138 countries and campaigners from 47 countries gathered in Vienna for the Third International Conference within the frame of the Oslo Declaration seeking global ban on cluster munitions.

By the offer of the Azerbaijan Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ANAMA Operations Manager Mr. Emil Hasanov was presented Azerbaijan in this conference.

Cluster bombs have posed deadly threats in every conflict in which they have been used and have repeatedly caused excessive harm to civilians and this was the main discussion during the conference. As the follow up of the conferences, the next stage of the gathering will be held in New Zealand, Ireland and Oslo in 2008.

 

 

19.12.07

ANAMA SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITH AzRCS

On 18 December 2007, ANAMA signed an agreement with the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society on the data collection on incidents caused by mines and explosive remnants of war. Also, this data will include information about the needs of mine survivors.

The goal of the established cooperation between the ANAMA and the AzRCS is to protect the civilian population living in mine affected areas from mines/ERW and respond to the needs arising from incidents and their direct consequences.

The AzRCS through its developed network of the local branches throughout the country especially in mine-affected areas will collect the data on the incidents and mine survivor's and forward it to ANAMA. This cooperation will enhance the existing mine-awareness work of ANAMA bearing the overall responsibility for mine action activities in Azerbaijan. Systematic collection and analysis of incident and victim data is essential for planning of mine action activities.

In 2005, the International Committee of the Red Cross in cooperation with the ANAMA held first workshop for representatives of AzRCS in raising the awareness of the risk posed by mines. Since 2005, the AzRCS with the support of the ICRC has been involved in construction of 35 safe play areas for children living in mine-affected regions to provide children with places where they can play without fear of mines and ERW.

The signing ceremony took place at the International Press Center and received wide media coverage by a number of information agencies, leading newspapers and TV stations.

 

23.11.07

WWM - ANAMA JOINT PROJECT

The Foundation World Without Mines aims to break the vicious circle initiated by the planting of mines by supporting local organizations in detecting, registering and removing landmines and unexploded ordnance. It encourages the local population to help themselves by means of instruction, training and technical support. The prime aims of all these measures are to prevent accidents with casualties and to enable people to live normal lives in the vicinity of mines. The purpose of the Foundation is to support humanitarian and charitable institutions and projects dedicated to demining and to the rehabilitation of victims of war.

The first initiative on involvement of the Swiss Organization ''Foundation World Without Mines'' (WWM) into mine action activity in Azerbaijan started with the WWM-ANAMA joint project. On August 2007 ANAMA has signed an agreement with the WWM on the support to ANAMA Emergency Response Team and Operational Coordination and Control. 209 595 USD allocated to the implementation of the Project will allow to ensure the procurement of special equipment and enable ERT to conduct operational acitvity for 12 months. The main goal of the Project is to provide the required assistance to ERT in order to address urgent requests for the clearance of mine and UXOs from house and surrounding areas continuously getting from local affected communities.

From 12 November to 14 November 2007, the Project Manager of WWM, Mrs. Monique Bolay paid a visit to the regional bases of the Agency to monitor the operational activities of the Emercency Response Team in situ. Mrs. Bolay conducted assessment mission on houses and surrounding areas clearance operations implemented by ERT in Ashagi Kurdmahmudlu and Teze Kend villages of Terter region. During the visit the presentation on Emercency Response Team acitivity by ANAMA ERT supervisor, Habil Ceferov was delivered to the guest.

On 14 November 2007, Mrs Bolay visited Khanlar regional base where the detailed presentation reflecting Technical Quality Assurance operations was presented. Within the frames of the visit to Khanlar the guest observed ANAMA's training facilities and TQA training materials warehouse.

 

 

 

19.11.07

ANAMA PARTICIPATED IN THE MINE ACTION SENIOR MANAGEMENT COURSE

The UNDP Mine Action Senior Management Course, as taught at JMU, is organized using a modular approach and drawing on the expertise of a number of university professors and subject matter experts. The course seeks to integrate the latest thinking in the field of business management with the practical experience of mine action operators. The goal is to hone the skills of senior managers of national mine action programs so that countries can more effectively and efficiently clear their lands of landmines and other explosive remnants of war that adversely affect their citizens' well being and impinge upon economic development.

From 15 October till 15 November 2007, by the organization of UNDP and JMU, MAIC has conducted Mine Action Senior Management Courses held in USA. ANAMA Standars officer Fikret Aliyev and Chief Supervisor Adil Aslanov have presented Azerbaijan Mine Action Program to the participants of the UNDP Mine Action Senior Management Course. ANAMA representatives delivered presentation on Azerbaijan National Mine Action and current operations conducted by the Agency.

Besides this, Agency representatives met with the UNDP, UNMAS and GICHD officials and provided them with broad information about the scope of mine problem in Azerbaijan, short and long term strategies, achievements up to date and plans for upcoming years.

At the end, MAIC Director has distributed the Certificates on Mine Action Senior Management Course to the participants.

 

 

19.11.07

USA MEDICAL REPRESENTATIVES CONDUCT FIRST MEDICAL AID TRAINING FOR ANAMA MEDICAL STAFF

On 13 November 2007 ANAMA medical staff completed the First Medical Aid Training for 8 attendants. The training conducted by medical representatives from Washington DC, Mr. John Dudte, the Assistant Medical Director of the Fire and EMS Training Academy, Mr. Christopher Mills, M.D. of the Fellow of International Emergency Medicine in the George Washington University, started from 10 November 2007 and continued till 13 November. The First Medical Aid Training was conducted in Khanlar regional base of ANAMA.

In the process of training there were discussions on providing of the first-aid care and treatment both on a place of incident and during the transportation of injured person, and in cases of a number of dangerous to life diseases and their symptoms.

ANAMA medical personnel has emphasized importance and utility of training materials, and also desire of repeated carrying out of such training in the future.

Visitors also have remained happy with a high level of knowledge and skills of ANAMA medical personnel.

Trainers was also satisfied and gave a number of practical advises regarding ANAMA medical equipment existed, such as purchasing of additional defibrillators with monitors and obtainment of a disposable tests for determination of a sugar level in a blood. At the end of the training all participants received certificates.

 

 

 

19.11.07

MINE SURVIVORS WILL RECEIVE MICRO-CREDITS FOR BUSINESS START-UP

On October 10, 2007 the tripartite Agreement between ANAMA, International Trust Fund for Mine Clearance and Mine Victim Assistance (ITF) and the Mission of the International Organization of Migration in Azerbaijan (IOM- Azerbaijan) on the implementation of the project titled “The Community Based Small Business Trainings and Micro-credit Revolving Fund for Azerbaijan Mine Survivors” was signed. The Project now is officially launched.

As a result of this project, 60-80 mine survivors will be trained in basics of business activity and based on the business plans developed at the support of the instructors 30-40 of them will be provided by micro-credits for start-up of their small businesses. Beneficiaries will be identified using the results of the Mine Survivors’ Needs Assessment conducted under the auspices of ANAMA in 2004.

The Project is being funded for 70% by the Austrian Development Agency. The rest of the budget is covered by contributions from the governments of Slovenia, Korea and Azerbaijan.

 

 

10.10.07

MRE PROGRAM IN AZERBAIJAN WILL BE FURTHER SUPPORTED BY UNITED STATES EUROPEAN COMMAND

According to ANAMA inaccurate data received from different sources, from the beginning of Nagorno Garabagh conflict up to now the number of mine/UXO victims reached 2323, and 230 of them are children of small ages.

The MRE project, being implemented together with the specialists of Republic Ministry of Education, covers 18 frontline and border close districts, as well as IDP and refugee densely populated settlements in the country.

On September 17, 2007, a group of representatives Mrs. M. Mann, R. Monge, and M. Dumond) from the United States European Command, headed by Mr. G. Wraalstad, Humanitarian Mine Action Program manager, arrived in Azerbaijan and had a meeting with Mr. N. Ismaylov, ANAMA Director to discuss the main directions of cooperation and possibilities for future joint activities. During the mission the representatives also paid a visit to the regions in accordance with the schedule agreed. The guests got acquainted with the ongoing operations in Fizuli, Khanlar, Aghstafa and Terter districts, at the same time they visited the carpet-weaving workshop formed for disabled people and their family members in Ganja city.

After observation of operations in Aghstafa district, they visited Saloglu secondary school and participated in "MRE open to all lesson".

The guests demonstrated a vivid interest in MRE activity - integration of MRE into curriculum of schools, responsibility of school's head and teachers, awareness of children and knowledge on mines/UXO, and safe behavior rules which are received during MRE sessions. It was emphasized that as a result of MRE activities the residents and the pupils in Saloglu village has become more sensible, they have informed on mines/UXO hazardous areas and the places of more than 50 different types of explosives and remnants of war. The guests were also impressed by the fact that the children not only learn behavior rules but pass their knowledge to their younger brothers and sisters and parents.

It should be mentioned that MRE will be integrated into curriculum of more140 schools in 2007/2008 school year which intends execution of trainings for 280 teachers and provisions them with various types of training materials, and with manual for teachers and textbooks for students as well.

The EUCOM representatives gave a positive reaction to presented mass awareness materials and their distribution in program targeted settlements and operations ongoing areas. At the same time, they stressed a need for elaborating the new types of MRE dissemination materials that should be produced and distributed among school children and different categories of population to raise their awareness.

Paying a special attention to ANAMA MRE program the EUCOM representatives confirmed their readiness to financially support the current years (school and community based) projects. During the visit EUCOM representative Mr. R. Monge made the contracts with ANAMA vendors on production of MRE training and awareness materials.

 

03.10.07

MINE DISABLERS RECEIVED WHEELCHAIRS

On 21 September 2007 the ceremony held in Baku Jazz Center and wheelchairs distributed to mine survivors settled in Baku city. Two mine disabled persons have been transported on GAZel vehicle, equipped by appliances from Autoadapt Company of Sweden. Actually the ceremony started with receiving the car by journalists in front of the Jazz Center. Ola Winsnes, the Sales Manager of Autoadapt answered their numerous questions. Meanwhile 28 mine disabled persons received wheelchairs through the procedure prescribed by Wheelchair Foundation (USA) which delivered 280 items to Azerbaijan at the financial support of USEUCOM.

USEUCOM assisted also in adaptation of the vehicle and Norway Embassy to Azerbaijan provided visa support to the endeavor.

In his openning speech Mr. Nazim Ismaylov, the Director of ANAMA greeted mine survivors and the honorary guests from USA and Norwegian embassies, UNDP, UNICEF, Ministry of Labor, USEUCOM, ICRC, IFRC and other organizations. He expressed his gratitude to Wheelchair Foundation and USEUCOM for provision of wheelchairs. He made some introduction to ANAMA, Agency's strategy and accomplishments on providing assistance to mine victim based on the results of needs assessment survey conducted in 2004.

In 2006, within the projects supported by UNDP and funded by European Commission, mine survivors received medical care in sanatorium, legal assistance in receiving officially assigned disability degree, 25 families gained an opportunity for earning money through trainings in carpet sewing and tailoring for family members. Mine survivor children spent time in summer camp arranged by UNICEF in 2005.

Mr. Ismaylov announced that in near future new project on microcrediting small businesses of mine survivors will start at the financial support of Austrian Development Agency and promoted by International Trust Fund from Slovenia. He highly valued to Mine Victims Association in resolving the problem of mine disabled people. Then he gave the floor to Mr. Gary Wraalstad newly appointed to be USEUCOM Program Manager, who said that it is his first visit to Azerbaijan and he is impressed of what he had seen during 5 days. Mr. Wraalstad strongly emphasized that American support to Azerbaijan is doing right job. He said I am proud of being here and taking part at such a valuable event.

There were 130 people identified during survey 2004 who expressed their need in wheelchairs. Now they are being provided by wheelchairs through the project on administrative and logistic support implemented by "Chirag" ("Cresset") Humanitarian Development Public Associatian. This local NGO has been contracted by ANAMA. "But it is not first involvement of the organization into assistance to mine victims. In November last year one person has received support from Chirag NGO in surgery on fragment extraction from eye and resurgery of his amputated arm." said Mr. Nadir Jafarov, the Director of NGO. He further stated that NGO is ready to implement much more complicated tasks and there are some project proposals under consideration in ANAMA now.

Mr. Ola Winsnes (Autoadapt) took the floor and said the products of their company might be found all over the world and they are made for assisting disabled children and elderly people. "I'm proud of beeing here participating at demonstration of AutoAdapt's product and distribution of wheelchairs to mine disabled people", he said.

H.E. Norwegian Ambassador Mr. Jon Ramberg mentioned the 10th Anniversary of Ottawa Convention with 155 countries acceded to Treaty. He said that Norwegian Government appreciates effort paid by the Government of Azerbaijan in mine action and expressed his belief that in near future no obstacles will remain for joining to the Treaty. He mentioned also the Oslo process on banning clusters munitions and the conference to be held in Belgrad (Serbia) early in October. He appreciated the participation of Azerbaijan at this conference.

Mine survivors, who received wheelchairs, expressed their gratitude for the care of their problems. It has been stressed that there are highly educated people between them and they could raise their knowledge and skills, do home-based job with use of computer or other tools, once provided by equipment and respective training.

One mine disabled person stated his willing to receive more suitable wheelchairs in near future as they need more quality and more function. The needs in adequate environment for moving have been expressed as well. Most of other words have been said on necessity of providing them the opportunities for earning money and reintegration into society.

In closing remarks Mr. Ismaylov gratified all honorary guests and assured mine survivors that ANAMA will continue activities in assisting them with more attention to their major concerns. Afterward one more mine disabled person, Nizami Hajiyev, asked for few words and said "We highly appreciate the provision of wheelchairs and other to us, but I urge you to stop the war, the cause of casualties and foster the settlement of the conflict over Nagorno Karabakh." This was highly appreciated by the assembly.

 

 

 

 

14.09.07

THE PRIORITIES HAVE BEEN SET

On 12 September 2007 ANAMA hosted Mr. Goran Gachnik, the Director of International Trust Fund (ITF) based in Slovenia and Dr. Nermin Hadzimujagic, the Director of Mine Detecting Dogs Center (MDDC) in Konice (Bosnia and Herzegovina). The aim of the visit was to discuss the cooperation plan for 2008 and set the priorities on how to further joint activities. During discussions ANAMA Director Mr. Nazim Ismaylov has stressed the importance of continuing cooperation with ITF and MDDC in the field of mine detecting dogs and with ITF in mine victims assistance. It has been also agreed that ANAMA operational staff will be involved in a number of regional training events planned by ITF. As a result of the meeting a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between ANAMA, ITF and MDDC. The Agreement is on the provision of MDDs for ANAMA and is dictated by yearly needs of ANAMA for maintaining the MDD capacity as well as for its further development to ensure proper level of MDD support to mine clearance. According to the Agreement during the year 2008 the MDDC will be producing 8 new dogs for ANAMA. Moreover, ITF and ANAMA have undertaken to seek for funds to support the MDD project in Azerbaijan Mine Action Program.

 

 

 

 

30.07.07

UNDP RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE VISITED ANAMA

On 27 June 2007, Mr. Bruno Pouezat, UN Resident Coordinator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative paid its first visit to ANAMA to discuss the current status of mine action program and future plans for cooperation within the program.

During the meeting at ANAMA HQs, Mr. Nazim Ismaylov, Agency Director provided Mr. Pouezat with brief information on agency's activities, recent achievements, projects implemented to date and main points of national mine action strategy. He specially emphasized the support provided by UNDP which allowed Agency to visibly develop the national mine action capacity and address the number of priority directions within ANAMA strategy plan. ANAMA documentary illustrating all the aspects of mine action activity in the country was presented to Mr. Pouezat.

During the discussions Mr. Pouezat noted the progress reached by Agency to this date and stated that it should be effective to create the opportunities for regional cooperation in this sphere and to share ANAMA experience and expertise with other interested countries within mine action community. He mentioned that UNDP has an intention to further assist the efforts on mine action activity in Azerbaijan through improvement of cooperation with ANAMA and implementation of new initiatives on mine action which is the part of overall reconstruction and rehabilitation activities conducted on the war-affected areas.

 

 

12.07.07

WHEELCHAIRS FOR MINE DISABLED PEOPLE IN AZERBAIJAN

Fifteen mine disabled persons received wheelchairs during the special ceremony held in Khanlar Regional Office of ANAMA. It was the first ceremony in a series of events on distribution of items provided to the Agency by the WHEELCHAIR FOUNDATION (USA) at the financial support of USEUCOM, donated $21.000 for 280 wheelchairs to be delivered to ANAMA.

The event has been hosted by the "Chirag"("Cresset") Humanitarian Development Association. This NGO, contracted by ANAMA had 1) to clarify needs in wheelchairs mine victim identified during the Countrywide needs assessment survey in 2004; 2) gather those living close to the place of next ceremony; invite honorary guests and representatives of press; 3) distribute wheelchairs or handover them during special event arranged for this reason.

Mr. Nadir Jafarov, the Director of "Chirag" Association and Mr. N. Mamedov, the Manager of ANAMA Regional Office in Khanlar greeted mine disabled people, their relatives and guests. Dr. Suzanne Fiederlein from James Madison University, Mr Rauf Nasirov, the Head of Department of Khanlar Executive and his colleagues, Director of Ganja Orthopedic Centre, Head of Ganja city Society Disabled People, the Director of "Ojag" ("Fire") Humanitarian Association and Information Manager of ANAMA were the honorary guests of the Ceremony.

All the guests made speeches reflecting importance of the action with best wishes to mine disabled people. In return, some mine survivors expressed their gratitude to the Wheelchair Foundation and USEUCOM, thanked ANAMA and "Chirag" Association for the care about themselves. The words have been said as well on problems disabled people faced and necessity to join efforts in their resolution. The discussion continued during the lunch. Mrs. Fiederlein has made grant-in-aid to one of the mine survivors in amount of 50 US dollars.

The ceremony had wide mass media coverage - two news agencies and 5 TV channels have paid attention to the event. Some newspapers reflected the event on their pages.

 

 

 

12.07.07

ANAMA HOSTED GUESTS FROM ABROAD

On 9 July, 2007 ANAMA hosted Mrs. Suzanne Fiederlein, Ph.D., the Research Associate of James Madison University, Dr. Demottaz and Mr. Streckeisen, representatives of the Swiss Foundation for Landmine Victims' Aid, Ms. Holm and Mr. DeAngelo, GIS specialists from USEUCOM. Mr. Safikhanov from AzCBL, accompanied the SFLVA delegation.

They were intended to get acquainted with the mine action in Azerbaijan and establish the basis for further cooperation. SFLVA had also to assess results of the project on creating economic opportunities implemented by AzCBL. The main tenet of USEUCOM's visit was to identify needs of ANAMA in further assistance in information management.

The meeting began with the demonstration of ANAMA Documentary, reflecting mine action activities in Azerbaijan. ANAMA Director Mr. Nazim Ismaylov briefed the guests on the scope of mine problem, on the plans and practical steps of the Government of Azerbaijan to resolve the problem. He talked about cooperation with donors, governmental and non-governmental organizations, long and short-term strategies for upcoming years. Achievements and outcomes of the Agency activities at various directions were also delivered by ANAMA specialists.

On 10-11 July, 2007 Mrs. Fiederlein has paid visits to Fuzuli, Terter, Aghdam, Khanlar districts and Ganja city and acquainted with the operational activities in situ. In Ganja city she were in the Resource Center for mine survivors, observed the outcomes of the project implemented by "Ojag" ("Fire") Humanitarian Association in 2006 on provision of income generation opportunities to mine survivors' families through vocational training for family members.

 

 

04.07.07

PRESS CONFERENCE DEDICATED TO THE SALOGLU PROJECT

On 3 July, 2007 the press conference was conducted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the participation of NAMSA Major General Karl-Heinz Münzner, President of the National Academy of Science, Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Director of Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action. The conference was dedicated to the discussions of two ongoing projects - Saloglu and Melange, which are implementing by the support of NATO/NAMSA.

During the conference Mr.Nazim Ismaylov, Director of ANAMA, briefed mass media about the Saloglu Project and the role of NATO/NAMSA in the implementation of the Project.

NAMSA Major General Karl-Heinz Münzner underlined the importance of the Saloglu Project and mentioned that the first aim is to remove all the UXOs from the affected zones which are very dangerous for the population. He stressed that the ongoing Projects have significant role in the development of the cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO and once the occupied territories of Azerbaijan are liberated, NATO/NAMSA will assist Azerbaijan Government in demining of the affected territories.

The Donors Briefing received wide media coverage. Information on the Briefing was issued by Information Agencies and the leading TV Stations.

 

 

04.07.07

SALOGLU PROJECT DISCUSSED DURING THE MEETING WITH NAMSA MAJOR GENERAL KARL-HEINZ MUNZNER

On 2 July, 2007 NAMSA Major General Karl-Heinz Münzner with the accompanied delegation visited ANAMA's HQ. During the visit the guests met with ANAMA Director Mr.Nazim Ismaylov and the presentation on the Saloglu Project were delivered.

During the presentation MG Karl-Heinz Münzner has put numerous questions demonstrating his unveiled interest to the Saloglu problem in Azerbaijan.

It should be mentioned that the military ammunition warehouse located in Agstafa region, consisting of 138 bunkers, was the largest soviet warehouses in the South-Caucasus region. In 1991, when Azerbaijan regained independence, the warehouse was destroyed by the soviet army before departing. As the result of the explosion thousands pieces of UXO were scattered over a large area of 4,400 hectares.

So, the joint NATO and ANAMA project on the identification and destruction of all surface and immediate subsurface UXO and explosive hazards in the former military base at Saloglu village, Agstafa district of Azerbaijan, started in January 2006. Within the First Phase of the Project 5.457.309 sqm have been cleared, 261.435 UXO have been located and 75,164 UXO destroyed. As a result of the operations the First Phase of the Project has been finished in May 2007.

On June 1, 2007 the Second Phase of the Project started and extends for another 16 months.
The Second Phase of the Saloglu Project covers the subsurface clearance operations in Red Zone with funding requirements of EUR 440,000. The Second Phase of the Project envisages 2.204.409 sqm contaminated land. Since the beginning of July 2007 101.575 sqm of land have been cleared and 1446 UXO have been located within the Second Phase.

The main goal of the meeting was the monitoring of Saloglu Project and the discussion of the possibility to initiate the Third Phase of Saloglu Project within the further cooperation between ANAMA and NATO/NAMSA.

 

 

 

06.06.07

MEMORANDUM ON UNDERSTANDING SIGNED BETWEEN ANAMA AND ROTARY CLUB OF BAKU INTERNATIONAL

On June 5, 2007 ANAMA hosted the President and representatives of the Rotary Club of Baku International. Rotary is one of the world's biggest and oldest non-governmental organizations, in service since 1905, founded for initiating and developing humanitarian services. Rotary International is the network of 1.2 million Rotarians serving voluntarily in more than 32.000 Rotary Clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas.

The Rotary Club of Baku International has been actively serving the communities in Azerbaijan since 2004. Many projects have already been implemented by the Club and one of them is the assistance to mine action in Azerbaijan, including donation of four mine detection dogs each worth 22.000 USD for the mine action in Azerbaijan. One mine detection dog - Honni-Rotary donated in August 2006 was funded by the club with considerable support from the Rotary Club of Coral Gables in Florida, the Marshall Legacy Institute in Washington and others.

During the meeting Dr. Rajani D'Mello, the President of the Rotary Club of Baku International and Mr. Nazim Ismaylov, the Director of ANAMA have signed the Memorandum on Understanding between the Agency and Club for mutual cooperation in demining and mine victim assistance in Azerbaijan.

After that the tripartite contract was signed among the ANAMA, Rotary Club of Baku International and "Ojag" Humanitarian Association (NGO). This contract is aimed at assisting to the continuation of the Project signed between ANAMA and "Ojag" Humanitarian Association in August 2006 on the integration of mine victims into society through vocational rehabilitation and facilitating income generation for their families.

 

 

 

04.06.07

US DOS HAS AWARDED 187.084 USD TO AZERBAIJAN MINE ACTION PROGRAM

The United States has launched another effort to strengthen peace and post-conflict recovery. The Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement in the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Political-Military Affairs has awarded a total of more than $2.2 million to twenty-three non-governmental organizations to clean up former battle areas most of which are littered by landmines and explosive remnants of war left by other countries teach mine risk education, assist mine survivors, and conduct related research. The U.S. is the global leader in efforts to save lives by confronting the dangers posed by persistent landmines and all explosive remnants of war, including unexploded cluster munitions. (http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2007/may/85717.htm)

International tender for non-governmental organizations organized by US DoS involved such countries as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Bosnia, Laos, Sudan, Vietnam and other countries. It should be mentioned that Azerbaijan which was represented by International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF) non-governmental organization was awarded to the second place. In 2000 in a result of elections IEPF was defined as one of the contractors of ANAMA and at the present time it actively operates in mine action under the control and leadership of ANAMA.

On May 2, 2005 by the support of ANAMA the IEPF submitted the Project Proposal on "Establishing and Functioning of Mine Victims' Association in Terter District of Azerbaijan" to U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement and in 2006 became one of the winners of the tender. In 2007 the IEPF gained the grant for the Project on creation of the regional branches of the Association in Agstafa and Fuzuli regions.

The fulfillment of the Project will give a push to the implementation of several trainings, pilot projects and opening of new working places for mine victims.

As a result, by the support of US DoS the mentioned Projects have received 187.084 USD in total.

 

 

 

31.05.07

AGDAM REGION: ONE MORE UXO REMOVED - ONE MORE HOUSE SAVED

The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan received a request from the resident of Zengishalli village, Aghdam district Mrs. Mammadova for the removal of the explosive remnant left in the yard of her house since Garabakh war. According to the task by the Cabinet of Ministers on 17 May 2007 ANAMA and local authorities carefully investigated the area. On 22 May 2007 operational personnel of the Agency started the clearance process.

ANAMA UXO Team identified the object as ZOF-50 120 mm artillery projectile and the item was evacuated from the yard and successfully destroyed in special disposal site. During 2-days clearance operations conducted by ANAMA, the population was evacuated from the affected territory.

 

 

 

22.05.07

THE LIVES OF TENS OF PEOPLE RESCUED FROM …

The work of ANAMA and its implementing agencies of 'IEPF' and 'Relief Azerbaijan' within the framework of MRE programme regarding dissemination of safe behaviour rules and raising awareness among the people in mine/UXO contaminated areas gives its best results.
OZM-72 type AP mine and RGD-5 type hand-grenade was found by the residents of Shikharkh village, Terter district. These findings were reported to the IEPF and successfully destroyed.

The IEPF officers visited the school, organized a schoolwide meeting with the participation of all students and teachers, and a present was awarded to the "little courageous hero".
Since 2004, ANAMA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has been implementing MRE courses at secondary schools of border-close and front-line districts of our country. As a result of this course lives of hundreds of people have been rescued from hazardous objects.

Later on, Murtuzov Elmeddin Murad oglu, a 4th grader of Shikharkh village secondary school, could convince his father that the 'metal' he found in their yard was a fragmentation mine and in its turn they immediately informed the deminers about their finding.

On the 18th of May, 2007, another pupil of Shikharkh village secondary school Budagov Vugar Heydar oglu (the 9th grader) located some UXO. Remembering the knowledge acquired at MRE lessons Vugar without touching the unknown dangerous objects he marked the place and informed his parents and deminers.

The deminers and Terter district officials discovered that these 5 improvised hand-grenades were active and any wrong action, touching or burning could be cause of explosion. Since they had been remaining in the ground for several years they were considered to be very dangerous. Later on, mine-warning signs were set around the place and on the next day the hand grenades were taken and destroyed.
So, the lives of dozens of innocent residents rescued from danger…

 

 

 

On 25 April, 2007 ANAMA Director Mr. Nazim Ismayilov participated in the 17th meeting of the South-Eastern Europe Mine Action Coordination Council (SEEMACC). The 17th meeting of SEEMACC was aimed at discussion on establishment of the regional database on mine action specialists with further possibility of their exchange between mine affected countries in South East Europe.

The agreement establishing SEEMACC was signed on November 30, 2000 by the Directors of Mine Action Centers of Albania (AMAE), Croatia (CROMAC) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH MAC) and International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance (ITF). The need for the exchange of views, expertise and experience in the field of mine action was recognized at the first meeting of Directors of the SE Europe MACs held on April 13, 2000, which eventually led to the establishment of SEEMACC.

SEEMACC membership is also open to other interested countries in the region. Montenegro (SCG) and the Mine Action Center Belgrade (MAC Belgrade) joined SEEMACC in January 2002, followed by Azerbaijan (at their request) in February 2002. In 2003 UNMIK/EOD Management Section and Regional MDD Center BiH also became observers. In 2004, Croatian Center for Testing, Development and Training also joined SEEMACC as an observer. (http://www.itf-fund.si/dokumenti/dokument.asp?id=64)

 

 

 

On 23-29 April, 2007 ANAMA Director Mr. Nazim Ismaylov and Acting Operations Manager Mr. Samir Poladov participated in the 4th International Symposium "Humanitarian Demining 2007" held in Sibenik, Republic of Croatia. The Symposium was organized by the Croatian Mine Action Centre - CROMAC (http://www.hcr.hr/index.php?link=aktualnosti-opsirnije&aid=567&lang=en). The aim of the symposium was to provide a forum for the use and management of machines in mine action. A number of field demonstrations and tests were held on the strengths and weaknesses of the operational procedures being used in different countries.

 

 

On 6 April, 2007 the press conference in commemoration of International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action held in Baku International Press Center organized jointly by the Centre of Social and Psychological Rehabilitation for Youth "Dirchelish" (NGO "Revival") and ANAMA.
Representatives from UN Department of Public Information, Turkish Embassy, International Committee of the Red Cross, Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society, Ministry of Health, and Ombudsman Apparatus has been participated in the conference.

Mr. Islam Bakhshaliyev, the Director of Dirchelish NGO opened the conference noting that the 4 of April was designated by UN General Assembly as a day of remembrance for raising public awareness about the danger of landmines and explosive remnants of war, for ensuring the progress towards their eradication.

According the information distributed by UN agencies on occasion of International Mine Awareness Day landmines and explosive remnants of war continue to kill or injure about 15.000 people a year around the world. The 50 percent of mine victims are civilians and 85 percent children die as a result of explosion. ANAMA Information Manager, Mr. A. Aliyev informed the journalists and guests about the scope of the mine problem in Azerbaijan, ANAMA achievements and activities in mine/UXO clearance, mine risk education and mine victim assistance which are important components of mine action.

The press conference received wide media coverage by a number of information agencies, leading newspapers and TV stations.

 

 

 

Mr. Nazim Ismayilov
Director
Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action

Dear Mr. Ismayilov

On behalf of the United Nations Department of Public Information (UNDPI) I would like to thank you for your kind support in organizing a very educational and useful trip to the Fizuli region on 3-4 April 2007.

To mark International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, together with the representatives of the UN Development Program (UNDP) and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), I visited ANAMA facilities in the Horadiz Camp to observe your operational activities on the site. Thanks to your Agency, there was also a chance to meet with de-miners, and watch mechanical de-mining and mine detection dog operations. After this very informative tour on the field, we visited Secondary School No.2 in the Horadiz resettlement and participated in a mine-risk education class.

Let me also express my gratitude to Mr. Musa Jalalov, ANAMA MRE Department Manager and Ms. Sabina Jalilova, ANAMA PR Officer for their excellent cooperation during this event. I wish you all great success in your courageous work of making these affected areas safer for everyone.

Please be assured that we regard remaining active in mine-risk education and supporting your de-mining activities to be high on the UNDPI agenda.

Sincerely yours
Envera Selimovic
UNDPI Representative in Azerbaijan

 

 

 

The International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action was declared by the UN General Assembly and observed in 2006 for the first time. It calls for continued efforts by states, with the assistance of the United Nations and relevant organizations, to foster the establishment and development of national mine-action capacities in countries where mines and explosive remnants of war constitute a serious threat to the safety, health and lives of the civilian population, or an impediment to social and economic development at the national and local levels.

Landmines and explosive remnants of war continue to kill or injure as many as 15,000 people a year around the world today. The overwhelming majority of victims are civilians who trigger the devices years or even decades after a conflict has ended. Mine action includes finding and destroying these landmines and explosive remnants of war, assisting victims, and teaching people how to remain safe in a mine-affected environment. 14 UN agencies, programmes, departments and funds provide mine action services in dozens of countries, including Azerbaijan.

To commemorate April 4, a group of representatives of the UN Office in Azerbaijan (Ms. E. Selimovic, UNDPI; Mr. F. Abbaszadeh, UNDP; Mr. R.Rzehak and Ms. N.Osmanli from UNICEF), headed by Mr. M. Jalalov, ANAMA MRE Department Manager visited Fizuli region on April 3-4 to highlight the importance of the Day and to keep the cause in the spotlight in Azerbaijan where the challenges in this field are very acute.

The guests visited ANAMA facilities in the Horadiz Regional Base to get acquainted with the operational activities on the site, to meet with deminers, and observe mechanical demining and mine detection dog operations as well. Within the frame of the visit the guests had an opportunity to pay a visit to Horadiz village school # 2 to participate in a mine risk education lesson, open to all supported by the Government of Azerbaijan and UNICEF.

The deminers of "Relief Azerbaijan", a National Humanitarian Assistance NGO visited Giyameddinly village, arranged a school wide ceremony for all students and teachers where the Day was commemorated and the participants got acquainted with de-mining operations and mine/UXO hazardous areas in this district. The deminers demonstrated mine/UXO models, using detectors showed visually the operating process and tried to aware them about safe behaviour rules and messages. The pedagogical stuff of the school expressed their gratitude due to occasion and humanitarian job that they executed.

With the help of teachers of Chayli village, the International Eurasia Press Fund (IEPF) deminers held a ceremony in the schoolyard in which the heads of executive authority, municipality and mine victims, spokesman of the village and chief of "Mine Victims Association" of Terter district participated. The cleared land was handed over to the farmers for cultivation; it was a real present for local residents on that day.

One of the important activities of the Day was the setting up billboards and mine warning signs in the entrances of a newly identified mine/UXO hazardous area.

 

 

 

On 19-24 March, 2007 ANAMA Director Mr. Nazim Ismaylov participated in the tenth annual meeting of UN Advisors and National Directors on Mine Actions, held in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting brings together senior officials from mine action programmes, staff from UN departments and agencies, representatives from international and non-governmental organizations and experts from donor countries, to discuss a wide range of issues related to mine action. The meeting has been hosted by the GICHD since 1998, and is funded by a contribution of the Government of Switzerland.

The gathering comprised of general meetings, meeting of MA Directors, UN Advisors and specialized workshops dedicated to specific issues.

 

 

 

On March 25-27, 2007 the OSCE Workshop on Confidence Building and Regional Cooperation in Central Asia and South Caucasus through Mine Action held in Almaty, Kazakhstan as the joint endeavor of the ministries of foreign affairs of Slovenia and Canada. The Workshop have been hosted by the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The Workshop aimed at 1) facilitating exchange of information on landmines and Ottawa Convention; 2) promoting successful models of regional cooperation and confidence building; 3) contributing to better dialogue and cooperation among nations through eradication of mines, and, finally, allowing OSCE to examine how mine action along with its core activities could improve the socio-economic situation and strengthen the role in the region.

The representatives the regional countries, besides Armenia and Uzbekistan, but including Afghanistan and Mongolia have been involved. ICBL, UNDP, GICHD, UNMAS, ICRC and FSD as the focal points of mine action took part and made the valuable presentations on the subject of the Workshop. International Trust Fund for mine victim assistance and demining (ITF) from Slovenia is the leading organization there successfully utilizing regional cooperation in Balkans with some good experience in South Caucasus. Regional cooperation in Americas served as another successful case presented at the Workshop. The Implementation Support Group for Ottawa Convention from GICHD made the very informative presentation on current status on acceding to the Convention and fulfillment of obligations by signatory countries. GICHD role in mine action worldwide was the subject of the presentation of the Operations Director of the Center Mr. Ian Mansfield.

Azerbaijan has been represented by Mr. Aziz Aliyev from ANAMA and AzCBL have been presented at the Workshop as well. ANAMA presentation demonstrated how demining embedded into country development context, how Azerbaijan benefits already from regional cooperation and experience exchange participating in regional entities and international programs, including S.E.E.M.A.C.C. and UNDP MAX Program, how ANAMA is going to take benefit from furthering of cooperation and what kind of contribution Azerbaijan is ready to make for the benefit of regional countries. The role of expertise in mine action worldwide in providing assistance to mine survivors has been stressed. It has been also stressed that Azerbaijan is considering the peaceful settlement of the conflict with Armenia as the turning point making accession of Azerbaijan to Ottawa Convention possible and facilitating confidence building and regional cooperation for mine action and through mine action.

 

 

On 22-23 February, 2007 ANAMA Planning and Development Manager, Mrs. Nigar Azimova participated in the NATO Partnership for Peace Trust Fund Workshop organized by the NATO and United States Department of State. The presentation of Mrs. Azimova reflected the setting up and management of the "Clearance of unexploded ordnances in Azerbaijan" Project, in other words Saloglu Clearance Project, from the Host Nation perspective.

Representatives of 43 nations and other international organizations discussed best practices for Trust Fund projects to retrain former military personnel, and the safe destruction of surplus munitions, small arms and light weapons.

The workshop provided participants with an overview of the Trust Fund process and discussed the specific requirements of all states participating in projects.

It should be mentioned that the NATO Partnership for Peace Trust Fund was established in 1999 (www.nato.int/pfp/trust-fund.htm), and seven Projects have been successfully completed. New projects worth over $41 million (32 million Euros) are underway in Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Serbia, and Ukraine. All of these initiatives are part of NATO's practical contribution to combating terrorism, supporting nations' defense reforms, and safely destroying surplus conventional arms and munitions.

 

 

 

In the period of 19-28 February, 2007 the training course on "Railway Clearance" was conducted in Khanlar Regional Training Base of ANAMA by the support of US Marines through the US EUCOM. ANAMA Ops. Department representatives including a majority of the Training and Quality Assurance Team instructors had been participated as well as a senior field management staff representatives of ANAMA and 2 implementing NGO.

Graduation Ceremony took place on 28 February 2007, at the Regional Training Base in Khanlar district with the participation of US EUCOM and ANAMA representatives. In their speeches the training instructors underscored the broad-spectrum capacity and knowledge of ANAMA personnel and different ways of their application. At the end of the ceremony, Certificates of Appreciation were presented to all the participants for successful delivery of the Training Course.

 

 

 

On February 21, 2007 Major General Deputy Commander, US Marine Corps Forces Europe, Mr. Andrew B. Davis paid a visit to ANAMA facilities in Khanlar district to get familiarized with the mine clearance operations, assessed the training on "Railway Clearance Operations" supported by USEUCOM. During his visit to the region Major General Deputy Commander, Mr. Andrew Davis visited the Resource Center in Ganja city ran by the Ocag Humanitarian Association on reintegration of mine victims into society.

On February 23 meeting between Director and delegation headed by MG Davis was organized in ANAMA HQs. They were provided with detailed information on current status and activities implemented by the Agency. The presentation reflecting the scope of the mine and UXO problem in Azerbaijan, success and progress achieved by the Agency up to the present were delivered to the delegation. During the presentation MG Davis has put numerous questions demonstrating his unveiled interest to the mine/UXO problem in Azerbaijan, especially in occupied territories. He stressed at the end the US Marines' capability to continue supporting ANAMA through the USEUCOM since they have new information, experience and understanding of the problem gained in Iraq.

Mr. Ismaylov stated ANAMA interest in this collaboration because it allows to gradually develop national capacity for resolving various problems. The Director also touched upon that the railway clearance training is conducting in Khanlar Regional Office by the support of US Marines through the USEUCOM. We will be prepared to clear rail-road along the border with Iran on the occupied territory once the lands are liberated. We started from the scratch in 2001, he said, and now capable of doing good job.

During the PMSC in Brussels where he participated with the presentation on NATO/NAMSA and ANAMA joint Project, the Saloglu Project has been evaluated as the unique one. NAMSA is going to assign ANAMA as the implementing partner for mine/UXO clearance operations abroad. ANAMA experience can be used also through the provision of staff trainings at Agency's facilities. He thanked MG Davis for visiting carpet and tailors' shop for mine survivors' family members in Ganja. General highly valued the project providing needy people an opportunity to earn money for their families.

Finally, Major General Deputy Commander, US Marine Corps Forces Europe, Mr. Andrew B. Davis expressed his gratitude for well receiving and appreciated the efforts of the staff in Khanlar Regional Office.

 

 

 

5-10 February, 2007 ANAMA Director Mr. Nazim Ismayilov had a visit to Brussels.
On 6 February Agency Director had a meeting with the Head of Sector for Conventional DisarmamentOn and Human Security, Daniela DiCorrado to discuss future perspectives in cooperation between ANAMA and EC.

Since 2002 EC has provided tangible financial support to the Mine Action in Azerbaijan. With the support of EC the first Mine Victim Assistance has been initiated as well as expends on MRE campaign. The EC supported the establishment and further development of the mechanical demining capacity which allowed us to rapidly reduce mine suspected areas as well as mark and fence huge suspected mine areas of low priority.

On 7-8 February, 2007 ANAMA Director Mr. Nazim Ismaylov participated in the meeting of Political-Military Steering Committee (PMSC) held in NATO Headquarters. During the meeting in PMSC Agency Director delivered detailed information about the NATO/PfP Trust Fund Saloglu Clearance Project.

After the practical implementation of the Project started, it has become clear that the problem is more serious than it seemed initially and its solution would be more difficult than it was initially considered by international experts during their assessment missions to Azerbaijan.

The main challenge is that the real level of contamination at these areas is much higher and the problem is more complicated than it had been anticipated. As a consequence the clearance of the land is to be more difficult and time-consuming.

Therefore, the Project was revised and the proposal covering revealed aspects of the problem was developed. The reassessment mission to Saloglu comprised of the NATO/NAMSA experts and ANAMA specialists have been organized. The results of the mission confirmed the necessity of launching the Second Phase of Saloglu Project to provide the required safety level of the clearance in accordance with the international standards.

The Saloglu Project envisages the clearance of 5,683,769 sq.m., the most contaminated land in 16 months.

Director made a one day visit to Luxembourg to meet with Director of Logistics and Operations Admiral, Mrs. Linda Bird to discuss the Saloglu Clearance Project and possible further cooperation.

 

 

 

On February 13, 2007, the delegation headed by U.S Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, Mr. Michael Colter was hosted in the ANAMA HQs and had a meeting with ANAMA Director.

The ANAMA documentary demonstration and presentation reflecting the scope of the mine and UXO problem of Azerbaijan, as well as ANAMA achievements up-to-day and plans for the upcoming years, and long and short term strategy have been delivered to the guests.

ANAMA Director Mr. Nazim Ismaylov informed that the Azerbaijan Government increases financial support to the Agency year by year, when donor countries decrease it. Director noted that the United States is the key donor of ANAMA, which covers about 80% of the Agency demining expenditures.

In his term the U.S Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, Mr. Michael Colter mentioned that he will raise this issue at the USDoS Headquarter in Washington. He underscored that the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action can be a model for Mine Action Agencies for other countries.

 

 

 

25.11.06

DEMINING AND THE PROBLEM OF WAR MISSING PEOPLE

On November 18, 2006, in ANAMA HQs, Ms. Susanna Lopez and Mr. Samir Hacimustafic, the specialists on missing people from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) made a presentation on identification of war missing people. They told on how ICRC and the State Commission on imprisoned and missing people organize the very activity, put examples from the practice of other countries.

ICRC is to raise awareness among governments, the military, international and national organizations - including the worldwide Red Cross and Red Crescent network - and the general public about the tragedy of people unaccounted for as a result of armed conflict or internal violence and about the anguish of their families. It should be mentioned that in 1995, 1997 and in 2004, ICRC submitted a list of missing people in relation with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Human remains might also be discovered during the demining operations. And in this regard the main goal of the meeting was to warn demining organizations on such findings and to coordinate with them in this direction.

ANAMA Director Nazim Ismaylov stated that the areas where human remains found should be signed and protected according to the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This should be passed to appropriate organizations for implementing research. At the end, ICRC representative expressed their willingness to cooperate with ANAMA for solving the problem of missing persons.

 

 

 

23.11.06

MINE VICTIM NEEDS ADDRESSED

Mr. Rashid Veliyev, inhabitant of Ali Bayramly district was heavily wounded as a result of anti-tank mine explosion during the military operations in 1992. He lost his right arm above elbow and fragmentation in right eye was gradually weakening eyesight. So, he was in need of two operations: repeated surgery of his arm and ophthalmologic surgery.

On November 6, 2006, after the medical examination, Mr. Rashid Veliyev has undergone a surgery on cataract and fragments' extraction. The surgery was completed successfully. It was the result of coordinated action of ANAMA and the Ophthalmic Clinic for Poor People (Khazar Compassion Project).

Repeated surgery on his right hand was also issued well on November 13, 2006 at Clinic No.1 named after Ali Nagiyev. ANAMA and NNGO, "Chirag" ("Cresset") Humanitarian and Development Public Society provided necessary financial assistance and administrative support for this happening.

Right now the health condition of the mine survivor is good. He expresses his gratitude to ANAMA and all involved, wishes such an initiative of ANAMA to continue on in future.

 

 

 

20.11.06

AZERBAIJAN: WORKING WITH JOURNALISTS TO REDUCE IMPACT OF MINES AND EXPLOSIVE REMNANTS OF WAR

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in close cooperation with the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) and the Azerbaijan Campaign to Ban Landmines (AzCBL) held a workshop for local journalists to raise their awareness about the important role of the media in reducing the problems caused by mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). The Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society selected seven journalists from affected regions of Azerbaijan who attended the workshop on mine action from 14 to 16 November 2006 in the Khanlar Regional Office of ANAMA.

During the workshop the presentations have been made on preventive mine action and mine victim assistance, as well as on the international norms related to mines and ERW. Journalists had also an opportunity to witness a mine clearance conducted by the ANAMA, as well as to visit a project of reintegration of mine victims in Azerbaijan through vocational rehabilitation and establishing of association of mine survivors.

The ICRC mine action responsible from the Northern Caucasus and a journalist from Chechnya shared their experience of working with media on mine related issues. Both of them had a chance to learn about the mine action activities in Azerbaijan and in particular the important role of the national mine action centre there.

Information Manager of ANAMA, Aziz Aliyev, noted that the media is not for providing people with opportunities of "effectively" spending their free time, but for sensitizing them to the problems of their country and their communities, mobilizing for solution of these problems with mine problem involved. "Nobody can remain indifferent to mine threat and to those who suffers from it," he stressed.

Tofiq Yusif, chief editor of "Yeni Terter" newspaper said: "During this workshop I became aware that mine problem is a serious problem for civilian population and the attention should be paid to this issue constantly. Apart from providing information to the public, which we did so far, we should educate people about safe behavior and how to protect themselves from this threat. We as journalists have a moral responsibility to support mine victims and therefore we have to present their problems to the society. As of today I have decided that this issue should be regularly on the agenda of our newspaper bearing in mind the high level of risk existing in Terter region."

"By working together, the journalists and mine action actors can effectively contribute to reducing the risk from mines and ERW for the civilian population. The stories about victims and other problems caused by mines and ERW, published by journalists raise the awareness about the devastating effect of these weapons on people's lives - and of possible solutions - and contribute to the overall efforts to reduce impact," Herbi Elmazi, ICRC Regional Mine Action Advisor of CIS countries, said.

 

 

 

01.11.06

MINE VICTIMS WILL GAIN NEW PROFESSIONS

The Resource Center in Ganja city ran by the Ojag Humanitarian Association opened its doors after the renovation within the project on reintegration of mine victim into society.
This project funded by European Commission and supported by UNDP was granted to this non-governmental organization by ANAMA through the bidding process. The respective contract was signed on August 23, 2006.

The project ultimate goal is to integrate mine victim into society through vocational rehabilitation or facilitate income generation for their families. Aiming at this, 20-25 persons, mine disabled people or their family members will be trained in carpet wearing and tailoring during four months. Successful trainees will be provided by equipment and materials for self employment or so. The materials will be bought for money received for carpets and clothes made by trainees and sold during special events arranged for donors and others interested parties.

 

 

 

01.11.06

LANDMINE AMPUTEE WHEELCHAIR PROVIDED

Vahid Aliyev, 52, war disabled from Gobu village who lost his legs above knee in mine incident in the car hitted antitank mine on January 6, 1994. In 1999 he came through heart attack. Vahid has three sons, 23, 21 and 20 years old. He is retired and receives about 110$ per month. One of the sons is university student, others are running the small food shop next to their home.

Recently Vahid Aliyev applied to ANAMA and asked to provide him a wheelchair since he has the very old one.

On September 12, ANAMA MVA officer Mr. Rauf Mamedov together with another staff member Mr. Jeyhun Guliyev visited him and handed over the wheelchair donated by the USEUCOM personnel for the ANAMA's mine victim assistance program.

 

13.10.06

VISIT OF MDD TRAINERS

From September 12-30, 2006 South-East Europe Mine Detection Dogs Center-SEEMDDC trainer, Mr. Amir Skenderagic was evaluating the integration process of 8 new dogs recently accepted by ANAMA from the same center in Bosnia. Mr. Skenderagic became satisfied with the training process conducted by the ANAMA national trainers at the Regional Base in Fizuli region.

The ArmorGroup MDD Technical Advisor, Mr. Bevin Truter arrived in Baku on September 26 to carry out the next MDD follow on assessment. Mr. Truter will stay in Azerbaijan until October 19 and visit all the operational sites where MDD are applied.

 

 

11.10.06

ANAMA ORGANIZED A PAINTING CONTEST UNDER A MOTTO OF "MINES FREE WORLD"

As a part of overall MRE activity ANAMA prepared the project by the financial support of UNICEF/Azerbaijan. The program covered 26 frontline close schools in Fizuli district and involved 5500 students.

The aim of the contest was to study the knowledge and understanding of the schoolchildren, about war, bad menace of it, about mines and UXO that maimed and killed thousands of innocent people, especially children.
The school kids could freely illustrate their point of view through paintings, the real picture and bad result of war, their intention of peace and humanity; they could divide good and bad forces, angel and evil in their paintings.

Being a joint endeavor of UNICEF and ANAMA, and held under the motto of "Mines free world" this painting contest consists of 9 nominations. The best pictures were selected for remuneration by the jury which has been formed of ANAMA specialists and local Education Department.

 

 

 

23.09.06

"US GOVERNMENT WILL FURTHER FACILITATE AZERBAIJAN MINE ACTION PROGRAM"- GENERAL WILLIAM E. (KIP) WARD, DEPUTY COMMANDER OF THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE US EUROPEAN COMMAND

On September 21, 2006 General William E. (Kip) Ward, Deputy Commander of the Headquarters of the US European Command visited ANAMA HQs and met with Agency Director Mr. Nazim Ismaylov to discuss ongoing ANAMA-USEUCOM cooperation and future possibilities of US Government support to the Agency.

Ambassador Mary Carlin Yates, Political Advisor/USEUCOM, Brigadier General Melvin G. Spiese, Deputy Director of Strategy/USEUCOM, Mr. Stuart Chenea, Mine Action Program Manager/USEUCOM and accompanying delegation has also participated in the meeting.

The presentation on five year history of ANAMA-USEUCOM cooperation with references to the scope of mine and UXO problem in Azerbaijan, both in accessible war-torn territories and occupied Nagorno Garabakh and adjacent districts has been demonstrated. ANAMA plans for upcoming years and long-and-short-term strategy have been also delivered within the presentation. The guests have been briefed on the ANAMA achievements and outcomes which are mainly the result of the US Government support. During his speech Mr. Nazim Ismaylov talked about the scope of mine problem in Azerbaijan and emphasized that the current sustainable national mine action capacity in place has become real due to the contributions of different countries and organizations. ANAMA Director stated, the continuous cooperation is very vital to have all the plans fulfilled. Negotiations on the settlement of the conflict are going hard and Azerbaijan invites all interested parties to facilitate soonest resolution of the problem to launch joint demining operations.

General Ward expressed his positive impression regarding the accomplishments and progress which has been got by ANAMA to date and underscored that overall mine action activity in Azerbaijan is presented on a level with the highest international standards. Addressing to ANAMA long-term expansion strategy he stated that once the occupied territories of Azerbaijan are liberated, US Government will assist the Agency to overcome huge-scale mine problem in these areas. General Ward revealed the willingness to do all his best to facilitate mine action activities in Azerbaijan providing equipment and trainings.

 

 

22.09.06

EC REPRESENTATIVE PARTICIPATED IN THE SIGNING OF THE PROJECT BETWEEN ANAMA AND NNGOs

On 15 September, 2006 the National Monitor of the TASIC Balkan/Cards Monitoring Program, Mr. Fuad Bagirov visited ANAMA facilities in Fuzuli district to acquaint with the ANAMA's operational activity, to familiarize with BOZENA-4 MDM in action and acquire the information on different aspects of ANAMA activities. Within the frame of the mission EC representative paid a visit to the school #1 in Horadiz region to monitor ongoing Mine Risk Education Program.

On 16 September, 2006 the EC representative was hosted in the ANAMA HQs and had a meeting with ANAMA Director and Agency staff. Some of the critical subjects of the discussions were Mine Risk Education and Mine Victims Assistance which are considered by ANAMA as important components of mine action. During the meeting the contract between ANAMA and two NNGO's "Education of Human Rights" and "Dirchelish" had been signed. The main goal of the project conducted by NNGO "Education of Human Rights" is assistance in fulfilling of needs in social care of mine survivors from Baku and Sumgayit cities and Absheron district through revision of their degree of disability and the same action will be provided by another NNGO "Dirchelish" in Gazakh, Aghstafa, Tovuz, Shemkir and Samux districts.

After the meeting the guest visited Rehabilitation Center for landmine survivors in Mardakan village, got acquainted with the procedures and treatment facilities of the sanatorium.

 

 

12.09.06

MV-4 MECHANICAL DEMINING FLAIL HAS BEEN DELIVERED TO AZERBAIJAN

MV-4 mechanical demining flail is a remotely controlled system designed for technical survey and area reduction operations. This demining machine has been procured from the Croatian Company "DOK-ING".

MV-4 has been delivered to Azerbaijan since September 2006. Currently training of national machine operators and mechanics is ongoing and carried out by the trainers arrived from the factory producer "DOK-ING".

Upon completion of two week training course mechanical demining machine will be deployed to various mine affected regions of Azerbaijan to provide mechanical support for ongoing operations.

 

 

11.09.06

8 NEW MDDs ARRIVED IN AZERBAIJAN

On 8 August 2006 8 new MDDs arrived in Azerbaijan. Those MDDs were trained at Mine Detection Dog Center, Konic (BiH) for the Region of South-East Europe (SEEMDDC) and selected by ANAMA specialists who had been sent there for one month period for familiarization with the activities and training procedures of MDD Center.The training was supported by the MLI and Government of Slovenia. Both donations were channelled through the ITF. All mentioned 8 MDDs were donated to ANAMA on behalf of different partners with support of Marshal Legacy Institute (MLI) and US DoS.

MDD	Donor
Arka-Donohue	Griselda Hale, Donohue daughters and Lehigh Valley PA residents
Gunda	Government of Slovenia
Inka	Government of Slovenia
Lara-Marcos	Griselda Hale
Lesi-Nina	Preston and Hilda Davis Foundation
Hani-Rotary	Baku International Rotary Club-(Baku,Azerbaijan) and “sister” Rotary Club of Coral Gables-(Florida,USA)
Sherry	Government of Azerbaijan-ANAMA
Aster	Government of Azerbaijan-ANAMA

Since 21 August 2006 3 month integration training for 13 recruiters and 8 new MDDs have started in Horadiz Regional Base. During this training newly recruited candidates will get appropriate knowledge in different assets of demining which include manual clearance, mechanical demining, use of MDDs and necessary knowledge in 'First Aid". After completion of mentioned course candidates will pass exam after which successful candidates will get certificates of acceptance to carry on duties as the MDD handler.

On 5-6 of September 2006 the representatives of Marshall Legacy Institute (MLI), US DoS and International Trust Fund of Slovenia (ITF) paid a visit to Fuzuli and Khanlar regional bases to acquaint with the ANAMA's operational activity on site, hold discussions with the operational staff and meeting with beneficiaries. The visitors got acquainted with the organizational procedures and running of the training course for 8 new dogs donated by MLI and local dog handlers.

 

 

07.09.06

MEMORANDUM ON COOPERATION BETWEEN ANAMA AND ITF WAS SIGNED

During the period of 4-7 September, 2006 ANAMA hosted the delegation in comprises of Ms. Debora Netland, PM/WRA Program Manager from US Department of State, Mr. Perry Baltimor, President of the US Marshall Legacy Institute, Mr. Goran Gacnik, Director of the International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victim Assistance and the representatives of Baku International Rotary Club.

The representatives visited Rehabilitation Center for landmine survivors in Mardakan village. They met with the mine victims and got familiar with the procedures and treatment facilities of the sanatorium.

The documentary presentation, reflecting short-and-long term strategies of ANAMA and presentation of NNGOs cooperating with ANAMA have been presented to the guests.
The event was mainly dedicated to the signing of the Memorandum on Cooperation between ANAMA and International Trust Fund of Slovenia which will serve as the constant legal base and insure provision of overall support to demining and mine victim assistance projects implemented in Azerbaijan. Memorandum on Cooperation is based on the Azerbaijan President degree signed on 26 August 2006. Development and signing of this Memorandum become possible as the result of the President's visit to Slovenia.

The Donors Briefing received wide media coverage. Information on the briefing was issued by Information Agencies and the leading TV Stations.

 

13.04.06

HALO TRUST ORGANIZATION CONDUCTS MILITARY EXERCISES IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH

HALO Trust organization registered in Britain and United States under cover of the humanitarian demining is implementing unlawful activity in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. This information was released by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Belgium. According to Mr. Fuad Gumbatov, First Secretary of the Embassy, HALO Trust by its activity and official statements questions Azerbaijan's territorial integrity: " In fact HALO Trust was established by resigned militaries. The members of this organization deliver military trainings for Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh". Embassy representative appeals to all patriots of Azerbaijan to declaim against the activity of HALO Trust. All those who wish to join this campaign can send their protests to these e-mails: mail@halotrust.org and recruitment@halotrust.org

 

 

 

 

05.04.06

ANAMA JOINS WORLD COMMUNITY IN CELEBRATING 4 APRIL - INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR MINE AWARENESS AND ASSISTANCE IN MINE ACTION

Landmines are cruel instruments of war. Decades after conflicts have receded, these invisible killers lie silently in the ground, waiting to murder and maim. Through them, 20th century battles claim 21st century victims, with new casualties added every hour' says the statement by UN Secretary General on 4 April 2006-International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. In November 2005, UN General Assembly proclaimed 4th of April an International Day on Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. Im more than 30 countries around the world joined by one goal "mine free world" this day is marked by a number of events aimed to raise awareness about landmines and progress toward their eradication. Azerbaijan suffering from mine and UXO problem in consequence of the conflict over Nagorno Karabakh and for 8 years already involved in Mine Action has also came up with initiative on this particular day. Mine Action implies a number of activities reflecting clearance of lands from mine and UXOs, Mine Risk Education and Mine Victim Support as well. On 4 April 2006, Mr. Nazim Ismaylov, ANAMA Director was invited for TV talk show program dedicated to Mine Action Day by Public TV, one of the leading in Azerbaijan. In his opening speech at the Press Conference dedicated to 4 April and hosted by ANAMA with participation of H. E. Mr. Rino Harnish III, the Ambassador of US to Azerbaijan Mr. Nazim Ismaylov underlined 4 April is the UN-proclaimed day and is celebrated by all the world community. In his address to participants Mr. Ismaylov particularly appreciated the US efforts as the major donor to Azerbaijan Mine Action Programme. 'ANAMA conducts operations based on the priorities of the Government of Azerbaijan, mainly active in establishing sustainable mine action capacity to ensure safe living environment, economic growth, employment and poverty reduction for those who live in or close to mine-affected regions and represent the most vulnerable group of population of the country'. 'ANAMA is one of the best partners to the USA in Mine Action and could be considered as a model of the programs we are doing in other parts of the world' stated H. E. Mr. Rino Harnish III. In his speech Mr. Ambassador highly appreciated the work of the Agency, expressed his gratitude to the Azerbaijani deminers for their input in Mine Action. Ambassador emphasized that all the funds of donated to ANAMA by the Government of USA are being expended effectively for the purpose intended. According to him ANAMA skills can be used after the occupied territories will be liberated. 'We have gradual improvement in our cooperation and are intended to continue our support to Mine Action in Azerbaijan'. On 4 April 2006-International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action ANAMA carried out a number of activities in the regions of Azerbaijan. Demonstration MRE lessons took place in number of schools in Fizuli and landmine-related painting contest announced in number of schools of Fizuli district, large-scale MRE billboards and road signs has been installed in Saloglu village of Aghstafa district and a wheelchair presented to one of the mine victims within ANAMA Mine Victim Support Project. The press conference received wide media coverage by a number of Information Agencies, leading newspapers and 5 TV stations.

 

 

 

 

14.03.06

HOUSE CLEARANCE TRAINING

On 6 March 2006, ANAMA has launched a new-type "House Clearance" training course with the support of "ArmorGroup" Technical Advisors. The course consists of 2 phases. The first phase was successfully completed by 9 operations staff out of 10. The second practical phase will start at the beginning of April, 2006.

The training is designed for ANAMA's needs in an emergency implementation of specific tasks on House Clearance such as single device and booby traps eliminating which are often encountered throughout the country according to a number of requests addressed by local affected communities.

The participants of the training course are 6 people from ANAMA's Emergency Response Team, 3 personnel of Training and Quality Assurance Team and 1 Chief Supervisor.

 

 

 

14.03.06

ANAMA STAFF TRAINED IN IMSMA V4.0

During 6-11 March 2006, two ANAMA Operations Department staff members Mr. Samir Poladov, Operations Officer and Mr. Ilham Azizov, Training and QA Officer have participated at the second module of Information Management training course organized by Geneva International Center for Humanitarian Demining. The goal of this training was to familiarize operations staff with key information that is needed in order to make the use of new Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) version 4 possible and also with what IMSMA can offer in relation to their specific tasks within a mine action operation. The training has been designed with an understanding that in order to effectively use an information management tool, such as IMSMA it is imperative to have a firm understanding of general information management principles and that considerable effort is required in order to appropriately apply these principles. Training has been also attended by representatives of mine action programs from Peru, Guinea Bissau, Tajikistan and Cambodia.

 

 

 

14.03.06

ANAMA JOINS ROTARY IN AZERBAIJAN

On 4 March 2006, the Baku International Rotary Club-BIRC organized the Rotary Spring Bazaar at the Sattar Bahlulzade Art Gallery.

The Baku International Rotary Club has 24 members and majority of them are expads who active in Azerbaijan. The BIRC club completed a few projects in the country, which include the ecological projects, planted trees, renovation of few orphanages houses and organization of the Bowling Tournament. All money raised by Rotary at this event will go to finance numerous charitable projects in Azerbaijan including Mine Action Projects (Demining Project in war-affected areas in Azerbaijan) as well.

To attract the public attention to the landmine problem in Azerbaijan the BIRC organized a corner devoted to Mine Action. For this purpose ANAMA contributed some posters and maps which highlighted the mine and UXO threat in Azerbaijan.

 

 

 

 

07.03.06

INFORMATION RELIABILITY IN HUMANITARIAN MINE ACTION WILL BE INCREASED

According to the Administrative Agreement signed in November 2005 between ANAMA and US European Special Command (USEUCOM), Training in use of DGPS (Differential Global Positioning System) took place during 13 February - 3 March 2006 at ANAMA regional office in Khanlar district. ANAMA Operation and Information Departments personnel, TQA and Technical Survey Team members participated in the training. DGPS training has been developed and conducted by US National Geospatial Intelligence Agency with logistics support by ANAMA. The main part of training materials was translated into azeri language by ANAMA's personnel. DGPS provides much precise measurements with 10cm accuracy and as a result allows accurate coordinates of hazardous or cleared areas and increases quality of mine action information. With this design apprentices were trained in map reading, geodesy, survey, required level mathematics & geometry and using of scientific calculator and principles of differential global posi tioning system of satellites. Graduation ceremony took place on 3 March 2006, at Regional Office in Khanlar district with participation of USEUCOM and ANAMA representatives. In their speeches training instructors from National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency talked about the training process and highlighted broad-spectrum knowledge of ANAMA personnel. By the end of the training one piece NAVCOM 2040 DGPS and other equipment was handed over to ANAMA for further use in mine action activities.

 

 

 

06.03.06

ANAMA - LSN BOSNIA&HERZEGOVINA: FOUNDATION OF COOPERATION

On 27 February 2006, the representatives of Landmine Survivors Network (LSN) Bosnia and Herzegovina - Mr. Plamenka Priganica, Director and Mrs. Dragana Bulic, Operations Manager visited ANAMA HQs. They had the meeting with ANAMA Director Mr. Nazim Ismaylov. The purpose of the visit facilitated by Azerbaijan Campaign to Ban Landmine was to offer the support in mine victim assistance. Mr. Nazim Ismaylov appreciated the goals of LSN and the intent to make its best for landmine survivors in Azerbaijan. The guests were briefed on the strategy of the Agency that is based on Country-wide Mine Victims' Needs Assessment conducted in 2004. The mine victim assistance projects developed accordingly and coordination of activities within MVA Working Group with other interested parties have been also discussed. Mr. Priganica, landmine survivor himself informed on year 2005 accomplishments of his organisation of 24 employees of which 14 are mine survivors. The main approach in assisting to mine disabled persons is peer-to-peer support. There were 6000 home visits, 2300 visits were to hospital 70 person were employed, 99 trained in psychosocial, economic and agricultural activities. Another purpose of LSN in Azerbaijan is to assess the facilities providing orthopedic devices and physical rehabilitation.

LSN is the organisation of survivors for survivors. It was first organised in USA by Mr. Jerry White lost his legs stepped on antipersonnel landmine. There are such networks in 7 countries all over the world now. LSN activities on the areas of health, integration and advocacy are to allow disabled people to regain normal functional life, become productive members of society and reach their rights.

 

 

 

 

01.03.06

LANDMINE VICTIM FROM AZERBAIJAN WILL RECEIVE REHABILITATION TREATMENT IN SLOVENIA

With assistance of the Government of Slovenia with support of the Consulate of the Republic of Slovenia in Azerbaijan, Mr. Elman Aliyev, Landmine Victim from Azerbaijan will undergo rehabilitation treatment at Slovenian Institute for Rehabilitation (IRRS) in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Mr. Aliyev will receive prosthesis and complete rehabilitation treatment through support of International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance (ITF) and IRRS. Sponsors for the initiative are a number of both local and international organizations in Azerbaijan.

Aliyev Elman Malik was born in 1975 in Baku, Azerbaijan. In May 1993 he was called in the Azerbaijan Military service as private soldier. During army operations in March 1994 in Fizuli district occupied by Armenian forces he stepped on the landmine and was heavily injured. His left leg and the upper part of his left shoulder were wounded. After primary treatment at the army field hospital he was transported to Baku hospital for further medical care He was operated eight times and when in 1999 osteomyelitis developed in his left leg and all repeated surgeries didn't bring any improvement, Aliyev Elman on his own initiative requested that his leg will be amputated. The amputation was performed in the year 2000.

 

 

 

 

• Demolitions,
• Cutting of UXOs using special shaped charges,
• Burning of small arms ammunition in an armored cattle,
• Defusing of fused projectiles by specially designed gun.

• Providing training in evaluation methods to mine action professionals
• Providing evaluation professionals with an introduction to the field of mine action

• Understand the development evaluation process
• Be familiar with evaluation concepts, techniques, and issues
• Be able to weight different options for planning development
  evaluations, including data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Be able to design a development evaluation
  

 

12.04.05

DONORS MEETING 2005 - UNDP AND ANAMA TAKE NEXT STEP TOWARDS MINE-FREE AZERBAIJAN

Baku, 07 Aprir 2005 - the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) hosted a Donors Briefing on mine Action situation in Azerbaijan. The main goal was to share the achievements in mine action and plans for future with the donor community as well as the representatives of the donor countries and international organizations, related government agencies and NGOs.

Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Abid Sharifov, UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Marco Borsotti, UNDP Mine Action Team Leader Mr. Sayed Aqa and the Director of ANAMA Mr. Nazim Ismaylov co-chaired the meeting.

In his opening speech, Mr. Nazim Ismaylov welcomed the participants and thanked everybody for increased interest to the mine and UXO problem in Azerbaijan. He talked about the development phases of the Azerbaijan Mine Action Programme and achievements made so far. The special emphasis was put on the Ottawa Convention and the role of Azerbaijan towards joining the Treaty. According to him, at current stage, while being occupied by Armenian forces and having a threat of reactivating of hostilities, Azerbaijan can not sign the Convention. However, the Republic of Azerbaijan is supporting the idea of having a comprehensive international legal document on prohibition of use, storage, transportation and production of antipersonnel mines. The establishment of ANAMA could be considered an important step of the Government of Azerbaijan towards the objectives of Ottawa Convention.

Talking about the mine and UXO problem, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan touched upon the rehabilitation and repatriation tasks of the Government and indicated more than 50,000 refugees repatriated to their homelands and provision of safe living conditions as a result of clearance activities implemented along the cease fire and border line territories of the country. On behalf of the Government of Azerbaijan, Mr. Sharifov expressed his deep gratitude to all the Nations, including the governments of USA, Japan, Norway, Canada, Switzerland, United Kingdom, European Commission and Italy, which contributed to the solution of mine/UXO problem vital for Azeri population.

Mr. Marco Borsotti, UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative underlined Donors Meetings becoming a positive tradition and immediately appreciated donors' contributions to Mine Action in Azerbaijan emphasizing European Commission and the Government of USA. "ANAMA is an example of continuous and a long-term development success. Many times evaluation missions were indicating a high professional technical level of Agency activities. Besides, the capacity developed is considered as a keystone of success of future demining operations on the territories currently occupied. I am proud that UNDP has a Mine Action among the projects. I believe a day will come and Azerbaijan will join Ottawa Treaty as well".

UNDP Mine Action Team Leader Mr. Sayed Aqa stressed: "I am very pleased to be here and realize that a few years ago I was a part of this Programme. Mine Action community is very proud to have the organization like ANAMA among the members. We cite ANAMA as a model of how to achieve full national ownership. Recently, at the meeting for the Ottawa Convention in Nairobi, a Plan of Action has been approved according to which Mine Action should be a part of national development Programmes. Azerbaijan is doing much in implementation of this plan. The plan also envisages more attention to be paid to Mine Victims assistance".

"Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan will be restored…occupied territories will be liberated…displaced people will be repatriated to their homelands" message by the National Leader of Azerbaijan, President Heydar Aliyev (1993-2003) has been sounded in ANAMA documentary delivered to the participants of the Meeting. The film covered the development stages of the Azerbaijan Mine Action Programme since its inception.

The Presentation demonstrated by ANAMA later contained broad information on the problem itself and the ways it is being tackled. The annual report 2004 and the work plan 2005 were covered as well. Discussion session took place at the end of the presentation.

Touching upon ANAMA activities, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Araz Azimov marked ANAMA to be a sample of successful and effective management, rare for Azerbaijan. "From year to year we observe significant improvements in Agency performance. More safety, more qualification, more awareness of the problem of mines and UXOs, all these contribute to the confidence that Agency gained already. We held a number of meetings with donors involved, which underlined good performance by ANAMA" he stated. Touching upon the Project of UXO Clearance in Saloglu, Agstafa district, Mr. Azimov emphasized an international significance of NATO role at this humanitarian project. In his words, the fact is encouraging that the contribution by the Government of Azerbaijan to this Project exceeds those made by other Donors. He also referred to the Ottawa Convention: "This is an important tool introduced by the international community. Azerbaijan follows most of provisions of the Treaty. We are involved neither in production nor transportation of antipersonnel landmines. We do perform clearance and mine victims assistance activities. However, Azerbaijan is forced to use and store antipersonnel mines until we are at conflict with Armenia. We believe, the conflict will be solved soon and Azerbaijan will accede to the Treaty.

Mr. Dorijan Marsic, the Director of the International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance (ITF) from Slovenia, visiting Azerbaijan for the first time, stated that ITF assisted and has an intention to continue cooperation with ANAMA. "Azerbaijan joined the South-Eastern Mine Action Coordination Council (SEEMACC) in 2002 and is very active at that. Currently, we review the funding of courses for medical staff involved in Mine Victims support activities" he stated.

The Representative of NATO NAMSA Mr. Steve Brown, talked about the purpose of the visit to Azerbaijan and indicated that their Agency is involved in destruction of ammunition stockpiles. And a visit was aimed at validating technical specification of the Project of UXO Clearance in Saloglu, Agstafa district that is expected to start by the end of June. "However, we still have funding challenges" he stated.

The Director of Azerbaijan Campaign to Ban Landmines Mr. Hafiz Safikhanov highly appreciated donors for understanding the position and support provided at this stage, which is vital for the country at conflict.

The Donors Briefing received wide media coverage. Information on the Briefing was issued by Information Agencies and the leading TV Stations.

 

06.04.05

UNDP and ANAMA to Brief Donors on Mine Action Situation

On 7 April 2004, the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Azerbaijan will host a Donor Briefing on Mine Action situation in Azerbaijan.

The main goal of the briefing is to provide the donor community including the representatives of the donor countries and international organizations, key related government agencies and NGOs with information on the achievements made in mine action, as well as plans for the future.

The Donors Meeting will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Abid Sharifov and UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Marco Borsotti with the participation of Mr. Sayed Aqa, UNDP Mine Action Team Leader.

 

 

23.03.05

Operations staff attends the Information Management Course

During 14-18 March 2005, two staff members of ANAMA, Operations Manager Mr. Emil M. Hasanov and Training and Quality Assurance (TQA) Team Leader Mr. Elnur Gasimov attended the Course on Introduction to Information Management in Mine Action organized by Geneva International Center for Humanitarian De-mining (GICHD).

The training was designed to address the needs of staff involved in the operational aspects of mine action. Besides, the training course covered the main aspects and the key stages of Information Management and described its role as a tool in Mine Action operations.

Senior representatives from Mine Action Centers of Zambia, Thailand and Jordan participated at the training as well.

 

16.02.05

ANAMA Demonstrates Advanced Skills in Georgia

South Caucasus, Tbilisi: Eight staff members from ANAMA attended the Middle Managers Training Course organized by Cranfield University-Mine Action (UK), Georgian Technical University, the Center for Management Development and Training at the faculty of Economics in Ljubljana and International Trust Fund (ITF) for Demining and Mine Victim Assistance.

The Middle Managers Training Course consisted of two modules which continued for three months from December 2004 until February 2005.

The Training Course provided a wonderful opportunity for ANAMA to share its experience with other Mine Action programs within the South Caucasus. During the Training ANAMA representatives familiarized the participants with Azerbaijan Mine Action, came up with the PowerPoint presentation covering the aspects of demining activities and obtained all the necessary managerial skills to be applied during the daily operations in the field.

A Letter of Appreciation has been provided to ANAMA by the Manager of the Course for the demonstration of advanced knowledge by ANAMA staff during the Training.

 

16.02.05

ANAMA to implement NATO Project in Azerbaijan

"On 14 February, 2005 all the efforts aimed to facilitate the Saloglu project in Azerbaijan was put in action in NATO HQs in Brussels. Turkey, the Lead Nation, signed a Financial Management Agreement for the project at a special ceremony with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and the representatives of contributing countries". In regards to the Press-Release (2005) 016 by NATO, the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine action, ANAMA would like to make a following clarification:

The military ammunition warehouse located in Agstafa region, consisting of 138 bunkers, was the largest soviet warehouses in the South-Caucasus region.
In 1991, when Azerbaijan gained independence, the warehouse was destroyed and as result of the explosion thousands pieces of unexploded ordnances (UXO) were scattered over a large area of 44,000,000 sq.m. continually posing a serious humanitarian, socio-economic and environmental threat to the local population.

Since the explosion 147 UXO related accidents were reported and 28 people have died.
Considering Saloglu as a high priority, the Government of Azerbaijan tasked ANAMA to start clearance operations in Saloglu region. The operations started in January 2003 and more than 1 mln. sqm of territory was cleared as a result.

In December 2001, the Minister of Foreign Affairs via the Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to NATO has officially appealed to the NATO Political-Military Steering Committee (PMSC) to start PfP Trust Fund Project to deal with the existing UXO problem in Saloglu village. NATO through Maintenance and Supply Agency (NAMSA) runs similar projects in Partner nations aimed at destruction of stockpiled ammunition, land mines, UXOs as a part of the management of the consequences of defense reforms under the PfP Trust Fund Policy. ANAMA was tasked by the Government of Azerbaijan to develop a Project Proposal for the UXO clearance operations in Saloglu and submit it to NAMSA.

The Project Proposal was jointly developed by ANAMA specialists and representatives from NAMSA and submitted to the Turkish delegation to NATO in February 2003. ANAMA was assigned as an Implementing Agency for the Project. Turkey voluntarily has taken the role of Lead Nation for the project.

The Government of Azerbaijan is continuously undertaking efforts in fundraising and promotion of the project among international community and donors. The priority of the Project was emphasized through its political, humanitarian, environmental and security perspectives.

On April 28, 2003 the presentation of the UXO clearance project in Saloglu took place at the NATO HQ in Brussels. The presentations given at the NATO PMSC and Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council Ambassadorial described the history of the problem and main parameters of the Project to 46 NATO member-countries.

Donors Conference aimed at raising the awareness of the international community about the ongoing PfP Trust Fund Project in Saloglu was held by ANAMA in Baku in June, 2003. The conference included participation by representatives of the Government of Azerbaijan, UNDP Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomatic missions accredited in Azerbaijan and ANAMA.

UNDP Office in Azerbaijan has officially stated its intention also to contribute for Saloglu clearance project. The fact that the Government of Azerbaijan encouraged UNDP to contribute into this project could be considered as an unprecedented one and which had never had a place among NATO projects.

The Government of Azerbaijan allocated for the 2005 budget additional funds for the UXO clearance operations in Saloglu. The total contribution of the Government of Azerbaijan is approximately 30% from the total project cost. ANAMA also allocated funds for the project. The total cost of the project is 1.4 EURO.

All the above efforts have led to an increased number of donor parties for the project. Today among the Donors of the project are the Government of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Norway, Luxemburg, Finland, Slovenia and UNDP Azerbaijan.

Responsible person will be aasigned by the Government of Azerbaijan to act as a focal point for Financial and other Government related issues for the project.

A visit by NATO NAMSA is planned to discuss details of the project and give start to operations.

31.01.05

European Commission evaluates Mine Action in Azerbaijan

In January 2005 two consultants contracted by the European Commission Mr. Bob Keeley and Mr. Russell Gasser visited ANAMA and other organizations in Azerbaijan, including Europa House and the UNDP. The visit was a part of a world-wide evaluation of the EC Mine Action strategy which is to be undertaken every three years according to the Antipersonnel Landmine Regulation of the European Parliament. Azerbaijan was chosen as an example of a Mine Action programme which has had a Landmine Impact Survey financed by the EC - the purpose of the visit was not to evaluate the work done in country but to look at the overall strategy, policy and impact of EC actions.

In addition to meetings in Baku, the consultants visited ANAMA facilities at Fizuli and Khanlar districts, visited mine clearance operations being conducted with dogs and manual clearance, and Mine Risk Education activities in process.

 

13.01.05

One Local Injured because of AT Mine Explosion

On 03 January 2005, a tractor drove over an AT mine during the agricultural works in Agdam district Akhmadaghaly village and two citizens of Aghdam district Mirasheli village, 36 years old Agayev Bakhtiyar and Mammadov Mahir Afgan were injured and a machine damaged as a result.
As per records, 38 people died and 58 were injured in 57 mine and UXO incidents since 2001.

 

05.01.05

Mine Victim receives assistance from ANAMA Mine Victim Support Fund

Since the completion of 'Mine Survivors Needs Assessment Survey' in late September 2004, additional information on 140 victims, particularly IDPs, has been gathered and processed. A work is ongoing on Final Report for the Project.

On the eve of a New Year, Mr. Yashar Tagiyev, one of the mine victims, applied to ANAMA for assistance in repeat surgery needed after he lost his leg during a Karabakh War. Mr. Tagiyev was provided required medicine and assistance from a Mine Victim Support Fund established by ANAMA staff members. After a wound heals up the Orthopedic Center will provide Mr. Tagiyev with appropriate prosthesis.

 

04.01.05

THREE MORE LOCALS BECAME VICTIMS OF ORDNANCE EXPLOSION DURING CATTLE GRAZING

On 30 December 2004, at 12 am a citizen of Terter district Garadagli village 69 years old Chingiz Hasanov Alimardan died as a result of OZM mine explosion in the area called Qiziloba of the Garadagli district. Thirty sheep were killed consequently.

On 02 January 2005, at 17 pm the citizens of Agjabedi district Giyamadinli village, two brothers, 16 years old Piriyev Sattar and 14 years old Piriyev Rakhman were heavily wounded as a result of a large-caliber cartridge patron explosion at a place of fire blown during cattle grazing in the area between Agjabedi district Giyamadinli village and Agdam district Marzili village. Both injured were immediately evacuated to the Agdam district Guzanli hospital.

According to different sources, 13 people died and 21 were injured in 18 mine and UXO incidents from January 2004.

As per records maintained from September 2001, to date 38 people died and 56 were injured in 56 mine and UXO incidents.

 

23.12.04

ANAMA shares Mine Action Experience at the 13th Meeting of SEEMACC

On 14 December 2004, the Albanian Mine Action Program - Albanian Mine Action Executive hosted the 13th meeting of South-Eastern Europe Mine Action Coordination Council (SEEMACC) in Tirana, Albania. ANAMA being a member of SEEMACC received an invitation and was represented at the meeting by its Operations Manager Mr. Emil M. Hasanov.
The 13th meeting of SEEMACC was dedicated to the implementation of standards within SEEMACC, as well as review of a progress made so far and SEEMACC future projects. The Director of Albanian Mine Action Executive (AMAE) Mr. Arben Braha and Deputy Minister of Defence of Albania Mr. Baraj welcomed the participants and gave the floor to Mr. Dorijan Marsic, the newly assigned Director of International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance.
A number of presentations were delivered by country representatives during the second half of the meeting. Danish Church Aid (DCHA) Project Manager gave the presentation on DCHA activities in Albania, the representative from UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) Mr. Steve Saunders in his presentation talked about UXO clearance operations in Kosovo.
Presentation on activities and achievements of Azerbaijan Mine Action Programme in year 2004 has been introduced to the participants by Mr. Emil Hasanov at the end of the meeting.

 

08.12.04

ANAMA ensures mine and UXO safety for IDPs return to their homelands

In December 2003, a request has been received from Norwegian Refugees Council (NRC), who is currently undertaking a reconstruction of houses project in war affected area of Fizuli district, to ensure mine/UXO safety of conducted works. In June 2004, ANAMA's Emergency Response Team (ERT) has started the clearance activities and conducted a survey to identify the scope of mine and UXO threat to plan the operations (245 893 sq.m 95 houses identified as battlefields, 26 657 sq.m.-15 houses as minefields). As of today, the ERT has cleared 14,988 sq.m with MDDs support (Mine Detection Dogs), about 8,637 sq.m manually from mines (15 houses) and 337,366sq.m. from UXOs (92 houses). Totally 360,991 sq.m (107 houses) have been cleared of mine and UXOs. The completion of additional three houses is planned by the end of this year.
ANAMA has been also requested to clear additional 150 houses for year 2005.

 

14.11.04