20 April 2001

U.S. Boosts Demining Program in Afghanistan

The United States presented vehicles and grants worth $6.1 million to the UN Mine Action Program for Afghanistan on April 20, 2001 bringing U.S. contributions since 1993 to more than $25 million, according to a press release by the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.

Following is the text of the press release:

U.S. Donates $6.1 Million UN Mine Action Program
U.S. Embassy Islamabad
April 20, 2001

In an April 20, 2001 ceremony in Islamabad, U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, William B. Milam, presented 83 vehicles, worth more than $3.3 million, and a check for $2.8 million dollars to Mr. Antonio Donini, Director of UNOCHA, for the activities of the UN Mine Action Program for Afghanistan (UNMAPA).

The Ambassador noted that mines and unexploded ordinance from more than twenty years of war in Afghanistan continue to kill and maim thousands of innocent victims. He expressed American concern for the plight of the Afghan people and reminded the assembled gathering that the United States is the largest donor of humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people. He noted the United States contributes roughly half of all humanitarian assistance and 90 percent of all food assistance to the Afghan people. On this occasion, the Ambassador reiterated the U.S. government's commitment to continue its support for the humanitarian assistance efforts as well as for the UN-led de-mining program in Afghanistan -- a country that is considered by some to have the greatest level of mine contamination in the world.

Presenting more than 10 kilos of keys from the 83 vehicles to Mr. Donini, Ambassador Milam said that the United States has given more than $25 million to the UN Mine Action Program for Afghanistan since 1993, and praised it as being one of the most cost-effective and efficient demining programs in the world. He also recognized UNMAPA for its program that clears land for food production, restores damaged infrastructure and educates the people on the dangers of landmines.