30 Sept. 2002

Landmine destruction starts in Moldova On 30 September, the first part of Moldova's stockpile of 12,000 landmines was destroyed as part of a NATO-led project that will also eliminate 700 tonnes of surplus munitions and rocket fuel. The project, to be completed by the end of 2002, will allow Moldova to meet its obligations under the Ottawa Mine Ban Treaty almost two years ahead of schedule. Representatives of Moldovan authorities, NGOs, NATO, international organisations, donor countries and media observed the destruction of the first landmines during a special ceremony held at a military training area near Chisinau, the capital. The ceremony was the culmination of months of preparation, which included the training of Moldovan military personnel in destruction techniques, the construction of the necessary facilities and the transportation of the mines to the destruction area. Eliminating stockpiles The project is one of four initiated under NATO's Partnership for Peace Trust Fund, which was established in 2000 to assist partner countries in destroying stockpiled landmines, arms and munitions. It is executed by the NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency and is funded by the Netherlands, the lead nation for the project, Canada, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Poland, United Kingdom and United States. Additional information: NATO's Maintenance and Supply Agency (NAMSA) Partnership for Peace Trust Fund