ICRC Lauds Iran’s Demining Efforts
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Head of mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Iran praised the Islamic Republic’s demining activities and programs, saying other countries contaminated by landmines could tap into Iran’s experiences.
Addressing a meeting in Tehran, held to mark the International Mine Awareness Day, Florence Gillette commended Iran’s Defense Ministry and other relevant organizations for their “great achievements” in clearing minefields.
She also noted that Iran could offer its experiences to other countries affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).
Gillette further praised the Islamic Republic for raising awareness of the Afghan refugees returning home from Iran about landmines and preparing them to deal with that threat in their own country.
Iran has been ranked in some reports as the world’s second most mine-polluted country.
Landmine and unexploded ordnance contamination in west and southwest of Iran results from the Iraqi imposed war in the 1980s. Iraq’s army, under Saddam Hussain, is believed to have planted some 16 million landmines in Iran during the war, polluting an area of over 42,000 square kilometers.
Iran, however, has made great headways in clearing the minefields by developing special equipment and training expert teams.