The U.S. State Department released a statement Tuesday underlining its support for Colombia’s efforts to rid itself of landmines.
The statement sets out plans to donate US$2.8 million to Colombia’s anti-landmine programs in 2010, in addition to the US$8.5 million that has been given since 2005. The U.S. has also provided support to NGOs working in landmine education and survivor rehabilition.
The statement reiterates the U.S.’s commitment to “supporting Colombia as it develops and expands its demining capabilities, as well as medical and rehabilitation services and mine risk education.”
The U.S. has sent observers to the Cartagena Summit on a Mine-Free World, which runs from November 29 to December 4, although it is not a signatory to the ten-year-old Mine Ban Treaty. Over 150 countries have signed the treaty.
