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NEWS

A MEETING ON “NATIONAL MINE ACTION COORDINATION PLATFORM”

17.11.2023

On 15th November, 2023, National Mine Action Authority (NMAA) i.e. “Center for Humanitarian Demining and Expertise” state non-commercial organization (“CHDE” SNCO) organized “National Mine Action Coordination Platform” in the framework of “Strengthening National Mine Action Capacities in Armenia” project, with the support of UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Armenia, funded by European Union. Deputy Minister of MoD, RA Arman Sargsyan, the director of the “Center for Humanitarian Demining and Expertise” Vaghinak Sargsyan, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili, Deputy Head of European Union Delegation to Armenia, Head of Political, Press and Information Section Jan Piesinger and other representatives had speeches during the workshop.

Deputy Minister of MoD and chairman of “CHDE” SNCO board greeted the attendees and highlighted the importance of joint activities in mine action implemented by the “CHDE” and international organisations particularly those implemented with UN Development Programme.

The director of the “Center for Humanitarian Demining and Expertise” greeted the attendees, highlighted the need to establish a “Board of Priority Coordination for the Clearance of Areas Contaminated with Explosive Ordnance” in the Republic of Armenia, as well as presented the activites carried out in the sphere of mine action in 2023.

  •  The possibility of free movement of our citizens of the border regions, RA is limited due to the contamination with explosive ordnance, particularly the villagers are not able to cultivate their lands, use pastures. Because of the contamination it is impossible to implement various socio-economic programs safely and unhindered․ So a need arose to found a coordinating platform that will enable international and local stakeholders to combine their efforts and to implement the planned activities in more coordinated way.  The platform is meant to be a place for discussions, planning and reporting that will strengthen cooperation among international and local organizations, regions, stakeholder institutions. As a result, it will have a positive impact on the socio-economic development in the bordering settlements,-mentioned Vaghinak Sargsyan.
  • The launch of the National Mine Action Coordination Platform is an important step in our shared commitments to address the challenges posed by mines and explosive ordnance. The National Mine Action Coordination Platform was founded with a clear mission; to promote the cooperation among state bodies, NGOs and international partners,- said UN Development Programme resident representative Natia Natsvlishvili adding that the prioritized goals include effective coordination, discussion of priorities, information exchange improvement, effective implementation of mine action in Armenia including all relevant pillars as well as promoting dialogue between government and development partners.

“CHDE” and partnering international organizations represented the implemented activities in 2023 through a presentation.

At the end of the meeting modern issues of mine action, the procedures of “Platform of Priority Coordination for the Clearance of Areas Contaminated with Explosive Ordnance” ways to maintain constant communication between stakeholders were discussed through questions and answers.

Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Syrian Arab Republic to the Republic of Armenia Nora Arisyan, UN World Food Programme representative and director Nanna Skau, representative from the RA ministries, diplomats accredited in the RA, representatives from international organizations, specialists form the RA regional administration offices, other stakeholders of mine action attended the event.