In 2013, Germany provided 1,1 million euros for humanitarian demining in BiH, and these funds will be used for demining areas around residential buildings, areas along local roads and private properties.
On this occasion, today in Sarajevo an agreement was signed on grants between German and the organization “ITF-Enhancing Human Security”, where 610.00 euros will be delivered, while the rest of the money will be given to “Norwegian People’s Aid”.
The Charge D’Affaires of the German Embassy in Sarajevo Christiana Markat reiterated at today’s press conference that Germany has been involved in the demining process since 1997, and since then has allocated 25,8 million euros.
It was emphasized that only projects of humanitarian importance will be supported, specifically demining areas that directly threaten the population in these areas.
Markat added that Germany is a leader in donations when it comes to demining throughout the world, and said that since 1992 this country has allocated 200 million euros in 42 countries throughout the world.
The Director of ITF Dorijan Maršić said that 610,000 euros will be spent for a technical survey and demining around 350.000 square meters in the municipalities of Olovo, Gornji Vakuf/Uskoplje, Lukavac, Šamac, Gradačac, Travnik, Vitez, Sapna and Doboj.
The Military Attache of the German Embassy Rupert Steeger said that Germany wishes to remove mines in areas that are known to be contaminated by mines, and not those areas that are suspected to be contaminated with mines.
“It is very important for these municipalities to have five to fifteen percent participation, whether it is financial, personnel or material assistance’’, said Steeger and added to that it is important for the local government to take responsibility for demining.
18 years after the war in BiH, there is around 1.260 square kilometers of area that is suspected of being contaminated with mines.
(Source: Fena)
