Colonel Phan Duc Tuan, Deputy Chief of High Command of the Engineer Corps under the Ministry of National Defence, revealed the fact at a working session with a delegation of foreign military attachés in Hanoi on April 26.

Colonel Tuan said approximately 800,000 tonnes of landmines and UXO are still left over from the war, mainly in the six central provinces of Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien-Hue and Quang Ngai.

More than 100,000 people have been killed or injured by landmines and UXO. Every year, the Government spends tens of millions of US dollars clearing these landmines. It will take Vietnam more than 100 years and cost the country around US$10 billion to complete decontamination.

Over the past years, the Vietnamese Government has paid much attention to dealing with the consequences of landmines and UXO. With great support from the international community, it has provided significant assistance for victims and helped them reintegrate into society.

Colonel Tuan urged the military attachés to find aid, provide advanced technologies and train experts and technical staff to help Vietnam deal with the consequences of landmines and UXO left over from the war.

On behalf of the delegation, Colonel Didier Oustric, French military attaché, affirmed that they will call on foreign governments and international organizations to continue helping Vietnam clear landmines and UXO.

The delegation visited the Museum of Army Engineers and the Technology Centre for Bomb and Mine Disposal.

Source: vov.vn