Germany donates mine detectors to Ethiopia

By Tesfa-alem Tekle

March 15, 2008 (Addis Ababa) — The government of Germany yesterday donated a total of 47mine detectors which worth 100,000 euros to support the ongoing nation wide mine clearing operations.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, German Ambassador to Ethiopia Dr. Claas Dieter Knoop said the mine detectors will have a big role to play in the efforts Ethiopia is trying for whole mine clearance across the nation.

“it has great significance on the program and great significance on the people whose life it threatened by landmines.”

The donation would help the mine action program that the Ethiopian government has been undertaking in the aforementioned states of Afar, Somali and Tigray.

He said the embassy of Germany has been one of the strong supporters of the operation by contributing 560,000 euros through UNDP for effective program implementation between 2004 and 2006, in particular for the provision of mine detectors and technical assistance.

Ethiopian Mine Action Office (EMAO) Deputy Director General who received the donation, Gabriel Lage, to his part said the support given by Germany would help the effort of the office it has been exerting to save lives.

Last year 7.5 million square meters of suspected hazardous areas were cleared of mines and handed over to the community for productive use, he said.

Ethiopia has pledged the total clearance of anti-personnel landmines within its territory by 2015.

(ST)