ICRC: 80 per cent of landmines removed in Yemen
The Source: sana'a/ hadhramaut.info/sabanews.net - 16/06/2010
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Efforts of Yemen and its international partners in removing landmines were positive and successful, Mine Action Delegate to the Middle East and North Africa of the International Committee of the Red Cross ICRC Srdjan Jovanovic said.
About 80 per cent of the landmines in the country that were planted in the 1980s have been eliminated so far, he said.The problem of mines in Saada Province and Harf Sufyan district in neighboring Amran Province requires more efforts to eliminate mines planted during the wars between the army and the Houthi Group and avoid more casualties, he added.
The remarks were given when the ICRC and the SEYAJ Organization for Childhood Protection met and discussed on Tuesday the topic of landmines and the effects of the war in Saada and Harf Sufyan, which ended in February this year, on the lives of the people.
The meeting also dealt with urgent needs and possible action to limit the suffering of landmine victims.Head of SEYAJ, Ahmed Al-Qirshi, stressed the importance of intervention to protect thexcivilians from landmines and pollution caused by armed conflicts.The issue requires more coordination, he said as he reviewed failures to cure and shelter landmines victims.He warned the refugees of returning to their homes and farms, saying landmines are still planted in many areas.He assured major efforts are underway by 'the Cluster Group' that comprises of local and international organizations to face the dangers of landmines through raising awareness about them, documentation and helping the affected.
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