NEW YORK, Nov 21 (Hina) - Croatia calls on all countries which have not signed the international Convention against Anti-Personnel Landmines to do it as soon as possible because only joint efforts can eliminate the danger thousands of
people in many countries of the world, including Croatia, are exposed to, Croatia's Ambassador at the UN, Ivan Simonovic, said on Wednesday. Simonovic today participated in a discussion on mines at the UN General Assembly. "The Ottawa Convention, back in 1997, was a turning point in facilitating mine action throughout the world," Simonovic said. Speaking about the situation in Croatia, Simonovic said there were still around 1.2 million unexploded anti-personnel mines in Croatia, which made some areas inaccessible and dangerous for people although the war and aggression on Croatia had ended several years ago. Despite all efforts, the programme of mine removal in Croatia will not be complet
NEW YORK, Nov 21 (Hina) - Croatia calls on all countries which have
not signed the international Convention against Anti-Personnel
Landmines to do it as soon as possible because only joint efforts
can eliminate the danger thousands of people in many countries of
the world, including Croatia, are exposed to, Croatia's Ambassador
at the UN, Ivan Simonovic, said on Wednesday.
Simonovic today participated in a discussion on mines at the UN
General Assembly.
"The Ottawa Convention, back in 1997, was a turning point in
facilitating mine action throughout the world," Simonovic said.
Speaking about the situation in Croatia, Simonovic said there were
still around 1.2 million unexploded anti-personnel mines in
Croatia, which made some areas inaccessible and dangerous for
people although the war and aggression on Croatia had ended several
years ago.
Despite all efforts, the programme of mine removal in Croatia will
not be completed in time, because, among other things, Croatia
lacks the necessary funds. The government has so far secured 80% of
all funds for mine removal, Simonovic said, urging international
assistance.
Participants in the discussion were also informed about a plan of
the Croatian Defence Ministry to destroy all stockpiled anti-
personnel mines by the end of October next year. Simonovic also
spoke about the work of the Croatian Mine Action Centre, which has
so far tested 29 different mine detectors with the assistance of the
European Union.
(hina) rml