Macedonia achieved mine free status

The Republic of Macedonia has shown itself as a credible member of international community by fulfilling the commitments made by signing of the Ottawa convention. Last anti-personnel mine suspected areas were reduced and cleared in clearance operations, which had taken place in period from June to September 2006. Operations, which followed the refreshment training course, were carried out by the Macedonian deminers under the Republic of Macedonia Protection and Rescue Directorate. A supervisor was additionaly provided by ITF to oversee implementation of these activities according to the guidelines, standards and operational procedures for humanitarian demining. These activities were financially supported by the Government of the United States of America through ITF. However, by successfully solving this problem, the Republic of Macedonia already intends to tackle yet another issue, which is extensive presence of explosive remnants of war from World Wars I and II in the southern regions, which requires a permanent national capacity. (Statement of the Republic of Macedonia)