(June 2, 2017) Italy continues to be at the forefront of de-mining activities in Sudan, alongside the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMA). On May 24, in Port Sudan, a grand celebration event announced the total decontamination of the Red Sea State of Sudan free from landmines and other types of unexploded ordnance. The event was celebrated with a ceremony attended by a high-level delegation of the Government of Sudan, led by the Assistant to the President Musa Mohammed Ahmed, and including the Governor of the Red Sea State and the Federal Deputy Minister of Defense. Present at the event were also the Country Representative of UNMAS and the representatives of the embassies of Japan, Italy and India. "This event marks an important step forward for Sudan along the path to honor the commitments undertaken by underwriting the Ottawa Convention. Italy, through its Development Cooperation Directorate and the Italian Embassy in Khartoum, will continue to support this commitment with a financial contribution and play a leading and constructive role in its pivotal position as Chair of the Mine Action Support Group - MASG for 2017," said Valeria Romare, the deputy Head of Mission of the Italian Embassy in Sudan, who attended the celebrations. (Red)

ABOUT / GLI OBIETTIVI

Thanks to the support of the Sudanese government, the activities of UNMAS and the generosity of donors – including the strong support of Italy - it will be possible to conclude mine clearance operations in all the Country's eastern States (therefore also in Kassala) by the end of November. This will make it possible to re-establish the fully secure and free movement of people in those areas, which are the backdrop to flows of migrants, refugees and displaced people. Moreover, the area's renewed security conditions will improve its development opportunities and the empowerment of the most vulnerable populations.