The mine removal project, which is part of a Croatia-Switzerland cooperation programme, aims to remove mines from protected forestland in the area of the Kotar Forest between Sisak and Petrinja, which is the most mine-infested area in the country, as well as to facilitate the social and economic integration of mine victims.
HCR director Zdravko Modrusan told reporters the first stage of the mine removal project had already been implemented, also thanks to a Swiss donation. During that stage, a record 3,585 mines were discovered on an area of 1.7 square kilometres, which so far is the largest number of explosive devices in relation to the size of the mine-infested area.
Swiss Ambassador Emilija Georgiev Regamey said that the mine danger in the area, which is surrounded by settlements, had been recognised by the Swiss government and that the latest donation, as well as plans for further cooperation, were aimed at reducing it.
HRK 54 billion invested in mine removal in Croatia since 1998
Deputy Minister of the Interior Damir Trut expressed gratitude to Switzerland for its assistance, noting that the latest donation was also a sign of acknowledgement of Croatia's mine action system.
He noted that since 1998 HRK 54 billion had been invested in mine removal in Croatia.
Mine removal will continue to be a priority for Croatia, and new mine removal techniques and models will continue to be developed, Trut said, noting that this was particularly important in the country's border areas as it also enhanced regional security.
A State Secretary at the Regional Development and EU Funds Ministry, Velimir Zunac, underlined the importance of the project's socio-economic integration segment, which would include the creation of the first single database on mine victims, an analysis of their socio-economic needs, a training programme, and investments in mine-affected areas.
This will be the first time a system of lasting care for mine victims is being established, he said.
Sisak-Moslavina County head Ivo Zinic said that the county was among the regions that had been hit hardest by the 1990s war and that the county leadership therefore could not support plans for the shutting down of the Mine Action Centre.
A lot of work remains to be done, Zinic said, adding that he would be happy if mine removal was completed by 2025.