Germany donates mine detectors to Ethiopia

By Tefa-alem Tekle

September 26, 2009 (ADDIS ABABA) — The Germany government donated Ethiopia,70 mine detectors worth 150,000 Euros, to support country’s ongoing de-mining efforts in regions of Afar, Somali and Tigray.

During the handing over ceremony Ethiopia’s mine action office Director General Etsay Gebresilase said that the latest contribution by Germany and other similar interventions will reinforce Ethiopia’s determination of clearing operation of the dangerous landmines, as nation approaches to successfully meet Ottawa convention deadline in 2015.

Germany ambassador to Ethiopia Dr. Class Dieter Knoop to his side said that his country, attaches great attention to Ethiopia’s ongoing de-mining activities and pledges that the government of Germany will continue to support Ethiopia’s mine action programme.

This is not the first time for Germany to donate mine detectors. Last year it donated 117 mine detectors worth 257,000 Euros.

Ethiopia in line with passed agreements signed on anti-personal mine ban convention and in collaboration with international groups has carried out various de-mining operation and an awareness creating activities to curb the hazardous consequences of land mines.

During the past two years, Ethiopia’s mine action office has cleared some 20.5 square kilometers of area infested with landmine and hand it over to respective communities. Currently some 100,000 local residents and farmers are enjoying the cleared areas to both residential and for agricultural activity. It was learnt.

(ST)