New Zealanders to help clear mines in Iraq

5.30pm

Up to 15 New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel will help with mine-clearing operations in Iraq, Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff announced today.

The personnel would be part of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), which was preparing an emergency response team to survey and clear land mines and unexploded bombs.

"We have approved the contribution of four experts to assist with establishing and managing the UN's de-mining activities in Iraq," he said in a statement.

"Two are likely to be deployed in the next two to three weeks."

A further 11 personnel would join the programme once it was up and running.

De-mining was one of a range of options the Government was considering to ensure New Zealand played its part in humanitarian and reconstruction activities in post-conflict Iraq, Mr Goff said.

Landmines and unexploded bombs were an obstacle to providing humanitarian aid, with high numbers of mines in northern Iraq and along the borders with Iran, Kuwait, Jordan, Syria and Turkey.

"New Zealand has recognised expertise in de-mining and we already have one member of the NZDF on secondment to UNMAS who is preparing to travel to Iraq to work as a co-ordinator," Mr Goff said.

UNMAS would survey and clear mines and unexploded bombs to clear roads, as well as providing help finding and removing booby traps. It would also educate the local population on the risks.

- NZPA