Baku: "The status of the State Commission's Working Group, as well as issues related to strengthening its material and technical base, human resources, employees' social protection, and safeguarding their health, should be reviewed," MP Arzu Naghiyev stated at the international conference titled "Modern Approaches and Strengthening Cooperation in Resolving the Issue of Missing Persons," held in collaboration with the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Naghiyev emphasized that the State Commission's Working Group effectively carried out its responsibilities during the First Karabakh War, the post-ceasefire period from May 1994, and the Second Karabakh War starting in September 2020. Following the victory in the Patriotic War, the group was assigned the crucial task of determining the fate of missing persons, conducting searches and excavations in the liberated territories, and identifying and returning remains to families. Naghiyev described this as a new phase requiring significant resources and responsibility.

Naghiyev highlighted that activities related to identifying and burying missing martyrs have instilled hope among Azerbaijani citizens and the families of the missing. However, he pointed out that these efforts necessitate substantial financial resources, modern equipment, and a clear division of responsibilities. Protecting the health of team members working in hazardous conditions with mines and unexploded ordnance is also essential.

He noted that the Working Group's status is generally temporary, but considering the ongoing impact of Armenia's military aggression, which left over 4,000 Azerbaijani citizens missing, the group's activities will need to continue for an extended period. President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly emphasized the urgency of determining the fate of missing citizens.

Naghiyev stressed the importance of mass grave studies, DNA analysis, and modern forensic methods. The state also provides social and psychological support to the families of missing persons. He called for reviewing the Working Group's status, resources, and employee protections.

The MP proposed discussing the issue at a joint parliamentary and State Commission meeting, suggesting that goods and materials, especially specialized excavation equipment, be exempted from customs duties and taxes. He urged state institutions to take necessary steps to address these challenges.