HA NOI (VNS)— Viet Nam is seeking further international support in its continued attempt to overcome the consequences of post-war bombs and mines that still litter the country. This is among the many actions to be taken under a national programme to deal with post-war ordnance from now until 2015.
The plan, which was outlined in a Prime Ministerial decision dated May 13, was revealed at a meeting of the State Steering Board in charge of implementing the programme - dubbed Programme 504 - held in Ha Noi yesterday.
Speaking at the meeting, Vietnamese Defence Minister, General Phung Quang Thanh emphasised that the Prime Ministerial decision indicated the strong commitment of the Party, State and Government towards this issue.
He said a large number of bombs and mines from several wars over the last century had wrought havoc across the country.
"Even though the war ended several decades ago, 20 per cent of our land is still contaminated with bombs and mines and more than 100,000 people have been killed or injured due to post-war bombs and mines," he said.
The programme aims to mobilise domestic and international resources to minimise the consequences of bombs and mines, ensure public safety and help victims continue with their lives.
At the meeting, participants agreed on a set of concrete actions that will be implemented in the upcoming time.
These included setting up a contamination map, establishing a national level database centre and training centre as well a trust fund.
Projects to support victims will also be continued, as will an information campaign on mine accident prevention.
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