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THE GOVERNMENT OF ITALY CONTRIBUTES ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO OAS HUMANITARIAN DEMINING PROGRAMS IN THE HEMISPHERE

  July 11, 2008

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pledged 100,000 Euro (approximately US$157,350) to finance demining operations in Colombia, Nicaragua and the Peru-Ecuador border in 2008. The contribution, which was announced on July 9 by the Permanent Observer Mission of Italy to the Organization of American States (OAS), reinforces once again Italy’s support to OAS programs promoting democracy, human rights, and multidimensional security.

The newly-financed projects will sponsor the removal of antipersonnel mines and stockpile destruction. Ultimately, they will help to restore the livelihood of victims through a victim assistance component that includes medical, psychological, and rehabilitative interventions, as well as vocational training.

Italy received Permanent Observer status to the OAS on May 17, 1972, through Permanent Council resolution CP/RES. 70 (72/72). To date, the country has contributed over US$3 million in funds to finance OAS programs, and US$79,000 in in-kind contributions.

Reference: E-271/08