MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands focused on a multi-year plan of mine clearance

In 2013 the third phase of Falklands' demining work was completed, said MLA Summers

Demining work did not take place this summer in the Falkland Islands, “because efforts were focused on agreeing a multi-year plan for the next round of mine clearance operations,” Member of Legislative Assembly Mike Summers stated this week.

 Responding to a question put by a member of the public he explained: “The Falkland Islands Government understands that the UK is committed to meeting the goal of full clearance of minefields in the Falkland Islands.

However, the Falklands pose a unique challenge for demining operations.

The location, challenging weather conditions, concerns over the environment, incomplete Argentine minefield records and the tough financial climate are all factors the UK must contend with in taking forward this work.

Despite these challenges, in 2013 the third phase of work was completed, meaning a total of 974 anti-personnel mines and 600 anti-vehicle mines have now been removed from the Falklands.”

FIG has not pressed on this issue, “given the clear financial constraints the UK Government is working under, but remain willing to assist in whatever way we can when the next phase of clearance is to begin,” he said.