Vietnam to Reinforce National Program on Controling Landmines, UXO

Vietnam will set up the National Mine Action Coordination Centre (VNMAC) to better cope with landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) issues. The decision was made at a meeting in Hanoi on Jan 7 by the National Steering Committee on Controlling Landmines and UXO or the 504 program. The newly-established teams will cover researches, seeking for aid, foreign affairs, propaganda and security. The move is aimed to promote the progress solving issues relating to the war aftermaths as Vietnam has handled only 20% of the areas affected by bomb and mine. (www.qdnd.vn Jan 7)