LINKS Europe publishes next issue of South Caucasus Landmine Observer newsletter

LINKS Europe today (12 May) released the 21st issue of the South Caucasus Landmine Observer newsletter, which provides an overview of ongoing efforts to eliminate landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the South Caucasus and beyond.

Written and edited by Maximiliaan van Lange and Alexandra Dumitrescu, this bi-monthly newsletter covers LINKS Europe's efforts to achieve a landmine-free South Caucasus, as well as various best practices from organisations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and NGOs such as APOPO and MAG International.

In this issue, the newsletter highlights a recent meeting between LINKS Europe and the newly appointed Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr Mammed Ahmedzada, held at LINKS Europe's offices in The Hague on 30 April. The discussion focused, among other things, on the humanitarian challenges posed by landmines in Azerbaijan, with LINKS Europe's Director, Dr Dennis Sammut, stressing the importance of a regional approach to mine action.

The newsletter also reports on the participation of LINKS Europe's Deputy Director, Maximiliaan van Lange, at the 28th International Meeting of National Directors of Mine Action and UN Advisers, held in Geneva from 9 to 11 April. It also includes insights from a workshop on gender-responsive approaches to mine action in which LINKS Europe's Research Associate, Alexandra Dumitrescu, participated at the end of March.

The newsletter also includes an analysis by Global Strategic & Defence News (GSDN) of Azerbaijan's landmine challenges, highlighting the systemic challenges to clearance and the wider geopolitical implications for mine action. It also highlights the latest news from the region's local mine action organisations, the Centre for Humanitarian Demining and Expertise (CHDE) in Armenia and the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA).

To access and read the full newsletter, please click here

The South Caucasus Landmine Observer newsletter is an activity of LINKS Europe Foundation in collaboration with partners throughout the region. The South Caucasus Landmine Observer welcomes contributions of news and stories about efforts to rid the South Caucasus and other regions of the world of landmines and other unexploded remnants of war. Please send contributions to the SCLO's Editor-in-Chief, Maximiliaan van Lange, at Maximiliaan@links-europe.eu.

Source: commonspace.eu with LINKS Europe

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Egypt rejects Israeli "offer" for an exit only Rafah checkpoint in Gaza

Egypt rejects Israeli "offer" for an exit only Rafah checkpoint in Gaza

Egypt has rejected an Israeli "offer" for opening for exit only the Rafah checkpoint in Gaza. According to the Egyptian State Information Service, Egyptian authorities refuted on Wednesday afternoon reports that Israel claims it will open the Rafah crossing, the only lifeline for Gaza to the outside world, but only for those wishing to leave the besieged coastal enclave.  Citing an Egyptian official, the service stated that ''any agreement to open the crossing will cover both entry and exit, in line with US President Donald Trump's plan for humanitarian and political arrangements following the ceasefire.'' Cairo reaffirmed its adherence to the plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2803, including the right of return for Palestinians and maintaining two-way operations at the crossing. Earlier in the day, Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced that the Rafah crossing would reopen ''within the next few days,'' marking the first such move since February 2025. According to the statement, departures would require prior Israeli security approval and would follow mechanisms previously implemented under EU supervision. Notably, the statement made no mention of the entry of humanitarian aid, which continues to flow through the Kerem Shalom crossing. A Palestinian official also echoed the Egyptian denial of Israel's claim. The announced agreements stress that no Palestinians will be forced to leave Gaza. Those who choose to travel will have the right to return, while humanitarian aid will continue through UN agencies, the International Red Cross and Crescent, and other independent organisations. A European Union official, who requested anonymity and is familiar with the matter, told TNA that the EU has received no official notification from Israel regarding new arrangements, stressing that "no changes exist beyond the January agreements, and we await Israel's formal approval for crossing operations under the Trump plan. "Reopening the crossing will follow mechanisms jointly supervised by the EU and the Palestinian Authority to ensure oversight and transparency, according to the EU official.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Egypt rejects Israeli "offer" for an exit only Rafah checkpoint in Gaza

Egypt rejects Israeli "offer" for an exit only Rafah checkpoint in Gaza

Egypt has rejected an Israeli "offer" for opening for exit only the Rafah checkpoint in Gaza. According to the Egyptian State Information Service, Egyptian authorities refuted on Wednesday afternoon reports that Israel claims it will open the Rafah crossing, the only lifeline for Gaza to the outside world, but only for those wishing to leave the besieged coastal enclave.  Citing an Egyptian official, the service stated that ''any agreement to open the crossing will cover both entry and exit, in line with US President Donald Trump's plan for humanitarian and political arrangements following the ceasefire.'' Cairo reaffirmed its adherence to the plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2803, including the right of return for Palestinians and maintaining two-way operations at the crossing. Earlier in the day, Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced that the Rafah crossing would reopen ''within the next few days,'' marking the first such move since February 2025. According to the statement, departures would require prior Israeli security approval and would follow mechanisms previously implemented under EU supervision. Notably, the statement made no mention of the entry of humanitarian aid, which continues to flow through the Kerem Shalom crossing. A Palestinian official also echoed the Egyptian denial of Israel's claim. The announced agreements stress that no Palestinians will be forced to leave Gaza. Those who choose to travel will have the right to return, while humanitarian aid will continue through UN agencies, the International Red Cross and Crescent, and other independent organisations. A European Union official, who requested anonymity and is familiar with the matter, told TNA that the EU has received no official notification from Israel regarding new arrangements, stressing that "no changes exist beyond the January agreements, and we await Israel's formal approval for crossing operations under the Trump plan. "Reopening the crossing will follow mechanisms jointly supervised by the EU and the Palestinian Authority to ensure oversight and transparency, according to the EU official.