MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce the allocation of $500 000 towards the safe removal
of unexploded ordinance (UXO) in Laos, the most heavily bombed country in the
world's history.
From 1965 to 1974 more than three million tonnes of bombs were dropped on
Laos. Today UXO still affect more than half the country's total area each year
killing and injuring hundreds of people, many of whom are children.
In fulfilment of our pre election commitment to demining, a $12 million
Australian initiative has been operating since May last year to rid the lower
Mekong basin from landmines and UXO. Of this amount, $900 000 has been allocated
to Laos for UXO awareness, marking and the rehabilitation of people injured in
explosions.
The Australian Government is committed to reducing the horrific deaths and
injuries caused by landmines and unexploded ordnance throughout the world. I
know many Australians share my deep and personal ambition to see such injuries
reduced.
This latest funding builds on a two year national survey dealing with the
location of unexploded ordnance, the training of Laotian personnel, community
awareness and the clearance of UXO from high priority areas.
The new grant means that Australia is one of the largest donors to UXO
clearance in Laos, having committed almost $2 million in the last 18 months, and
is further evidence of our intention to honour our pre election commitment to
demining.
Australia is pleased to join with the Laos Government and the international
community to help clear ordnance in Laos. Even though Australia was not involved
in the original conflict this is a humanitarian responsibility we must all
accept.
VIENTIANE
Media contact: Robert Jauncey (AusAID Vientiane) (856 21)
413 600 Lucienne Manton (Mr Downer's Office) 06 2777 500/017 970
855