11MSP President Congratulates Burundi and Nigeria for Mine-Free

AKP Phnom Penh, November 30, 2011 –

The President of the Eleventh Meeting of the States Parties (11MSP) of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (11MSP), H.E. Prak Sokhonn yesterday congratulated Burundi and Nigeria for having declared they are mine-free, according to a press release from the 11MSP.

“I congratulate Burundi and Nigeria on declaring that they have cleared all known mined areas in accordance with their obligations under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention,” he said.

“While sizeable work remains to clear all mines in Cambodia, we are encouraged by the efforts of Burundi and Nigeria”, he said. “Their efforts have not been inconsequential. They have provided us hope that there is light at the end of tunnel.”

According to H.E. Alain Guillaume Bunyoni, Minister of Public Security of Burundi, Burundi work assured that 246 suspected hazardous areas totaling 29 square kilometers are now clear of anti-personnel mines and other explosive remnants of war.

Nigeria’s efforts to comply with the Convention’s mine clearance obligations involved addressing 75,178 square kilometers suspected to contain anti-personnel mines or other explosive remnants of war. A total 820 conventional landmines and 646 craft-produced mine, were destroyed, along with numerous other explosive devices, said the press release.

With the declarations made by Burundi and Nigeria, there are now 18 States Partied that have reported completion of their demining obligations, out of a total of 54 that have reported the responsibility to clear all mined areas under their jurisdiction or control, it added.

By KHAN Sophirom