Falklands : Mine Clearance Study to Take Place in December
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 15.08.2006 (Article Archived on 29.08.2006)

Falklands minefields are properly fenced and people have been educated in how to deal with ordinance they come across while hiking. However, the Ottawa Convention requires that a feasability study should take place.

MINE CLEARANCE STUDY TO TAKE PLACE IN DECEMBER

By J. Brock (FINN)

A study to find out whether or not it is feasible to remove mines from the Falkland Islands will take place in December this year.  It is expected that the study will take two to three weeks.

Tender documents have gone to various independent contractors and a further announcement will be made when the process is complete and the successful tenderer is made known.  One of the specifications in the tender documents is the inclusion of two Argentine observers and two British observers.

An exchange of notes between the Argentine and UK Governments took place on August 3^rd 2006.  The notes set out various practical aspects concerning the carrying out of the study of the clearance of landmines in the Falkland Islands.  It is thought that the mines are too difficult to clear and the ground conditions mean there is no certainty that 100% of the mines will be cleared.

An environmental study will be carried out prior to the study as part of the protocol states that the land has to be restored as it was prior to the mines being laid.

According to a press release from Government House dated on the 4^th of August, both Governments will send the text of the agreement to the General Secretary of the United Nations for him to distribute as an official document of the General Assembly, under the subject "Question of the Falkland Islands" and will report all developments to the parties to the Ottawa Convention.

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