UN Starts Clearing Mines From Cyprus Buffer Zone

UN Starts Clearing Mines From Cyprus Buffer Zone

The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) today began a €2.5 million (euro) de-mining project in the country's buffer zone.

"Every mine removed leaves space for stepping-stones to mark the path of peace and reconciliation," said UNFICYP chief Zbigniew Wlosowicz in a speech at the launch the Landmine and Ordinance Clearance Programme, which is being carried out by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and funded by the European Union.

"Every mine absent is less obstacles to crossing points. Every mine destroyed is a step forward on the road to normalcy," he added.

Mr. Wlosowicz thanked the EU for its cooperation in freeing the buffer zone of mines, and said it would "not be long before we see a similar launching ceremony in one of the Turkish Forces minefield."

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