Three Donors To Fund Landmine Clearance in Cambodia

AKP Phnom Penh, December 2, 2011 –

The governments of New Zealand and Austria announced to fund in total over US$1 million to support the mine action in Cambodia on Dec. 2, the last day of the Eleventh Meeting of the States Parties (11MSP) of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.

The government of New Zealand decided to provide US$1.05 million to clear landmines in the northwestern part of Cambodia, the New Zealand Campaign Against Landmines (CALM)’s press release said today.

“This is a significant and most welcome contribution of funds that will save lives,” said Mary Wareham, CALM Coordinator who is attending the 11MSP.

Meanwhile, at a press conference on the sidelines of the 11MSP, H.E. Alexander Kmentt, Director for the Disarmament, Austrian Foreign Ministry, also announced the pledge made by the Austrian government of Euro 400,000 over the next two years for mine clearance in Cambodia.

H.E. Alexander Kmentt and H.E. Chum Bun Rong, Secretary General of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority signed the partnership principles for the implementation of the national mine action strategy in conjunction with the pledge.

“An amount of Euro 300,000 will be allocated in support of mine clearance activities and Euro 100,000 for victim assistance projects,” H.E. Alexander Kmentt said.

This is the first time that Austria contributes bilaterally with Cambodia to the resolution of the terrible landmines and explosive remnants of war legacy, he said.

H.E. Chum Bun Rong said the funding program will contribute to Cambodia to eradicate the impacts of the mines.

Ms. Melissa Sabatier, United Nations Development Program’s Mine Action Advisor said at the press conference that Spain also promised to support the mine action in Cambodia.

Spain will continue to support the mine clearance and victim assistance in three provinces – Kratie, Kampong Cham and Svay Rieng, she added.

By KHAN Sophirom