INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The CEO of UK-based HALO Trust, which works to clear landmines around the world, met with Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) officials in
Kabul on Saturday to discuss the issue of clearing the deadly debris of war.The NGO has over 8,500 staff in 24 countries and has worked in
Afghanistan since 1988.Mohammad Abbas Akhund, the Minister of State for Disaster Management of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), met
with HALO&s CEO James Cowan and called for the organization to help clear the country of mines.Cowan in turn said the organization was
involved in clearing mines without any security issues.The ministry said in a statement that according to Nuruddin Rustamkhail, the head of
mine clearance coordination of the ministry, 36 areas in Kabul have been identified as being contaminated with mines and unexploded
ordnance.The statement noted that given Kabul&s high population, clearing these areas was &urgent& and needs to be given priority.In the
&National Survey, Vulnerable and Mine Contaminated Areas& project, which is being conducted across the country, the first and second phases
have been completed, and the third phase has remained half-finished due to the lack of funds
The IEA has however asked HALO for help in this respect.Both parties agreed to strengthen cooperation going forward.The post IEA says 36
areas in Kabul identified as being contaminated with mines first appeared on Ariana News.
