US continue with the support to ITF

09/09/2011

United States of America has contributed more than US$ 17 million to the International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance in 2011. With 2011 funding, US has increased the total amount of its contribution in comparison with previous year’s by US$ 5 million, hence confirming the confidence it has in the ITF as a partner in mine action activities and conventional weapons destruction programs.

The 2011 grant is earmarked for implementation of ITF activities in 4 areas: mine action, conventional weapons destruction in South East Europe, cluster munitions clearance in Lebanon and rehabilitation of victims of armed conflict in Gaza Strip. By carrying out these activities ITF is attaining much needed confidence and support for the implementation of a wider scope of activities in accordance with the ITF Strategy 2009-2013 that also include demining and rehabilitation of mine victims. As a rule, a portion of funding earmarked for mine action related activities in Southeast Europe will be matched by other ITF donations.

Currently, ITF representatives headed by ITF Director, Mr Marši? are in Washington meeting with Mr Jim Lawrence, Director of United States Department of State Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, his colleagues and other foreign policy representatives. The purpose of ITF visit in Washington is to present current ITF activities and future plans.

During the meetings with the USDoS officials, Mr Marši? expressed ITF’s sincere gratitude and appreciation for the continuous and undivided support that has been provided to ITF by the government of the United States of America.

Since the establishment of the ITF in 1998, The United States of America has altogether devoted more than US$ 146 million to ITF activities. The majority of funds were allocated to mine action projects in SE Europe and since 2008 to conventional weapons destruction in South East Europe as well as to other projects outside the region of South East Europe.