Thursday, June 11, 2009

Land Mines: China helps Colombia clear anti-personnel mines

China has donated 2 million yuan (about 300,000 U.S. dollars) to Colombia for clearing anti-personnel mines in the country, which killed hundreds of people in 2008, Chinese Ambassador to Colombia Li Changhua said.

During a meeting with Colombian Vice President Francisco Santos, Li said the donation, which was delivered on Tuesday night, was to support the implementation of the presidential program of Integral Action Against Anti-personnel Mines in Colombia.

The Colombian government said in a statement on Wednesday that China stressed its support for Colombia to eliminate the threats of anti-personnel mines, forbidden by international conventions, and to promote social and economic development in mined areas.

"The Chinese government aims to contribute to the social and economic development in the regions affected by mines in Colombia, and shows its solidarity with all victims of this device," Li said.
Published by Mike Hitchen, Mike Hitchen Consulting
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