Falklands : Falklands: Should Mine Clearance be Prioritised?
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 25.11.2008 (Article Archived on 09.12.2008)
Media speculation is ripe with criticism of Britain’s failure to reach a target to clear landmines in the Falklands by early 2009.
FALKLANDS: SHOULD MINE CLEARANCE BE PRIORITISED?
By J. Brock (FINN)
Media speculation is ripe with criticism of Britain’s failure to reach a target to clear landmines in the Falklands by early 2009. This week Britain has asked for a 10-year extension on the time limit due to several mitigating factors relevant to removal costs and ground conditions on the Falklands.
In trashing the postponement, objector’s site damage Britain’s international reputation and setting a bad example for others as reasons for honouring the deadline. What they minimise is the fact that Falkland Islanders know where the mines are and that they are properly fenced off. Minefield fences are also maintained to a high standard and there legal ramifications for those who enter minefields.
FINN also feels that there are other countries with landmines that have a greater need for clearance than the Falklands and that perhaps the treaty organisers should prioritise landmine removal with countries having a greater need being high on the list. Guidelines for landmine clearance in the Falklands are too stiff and do not reflect the difficulties involved in landmine clearance from porous, peaty soil that moves from year to year.
Councillor Summers on several occasions has told the local media that the Falkland Islands Government has not placed any pressure on Britain to remove the mines and that if Britain wants to have the mines removed it is up to HMG to do it.
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