Maravi

(HERALD) Efforts to clear landmines hailed

Efforts to clear landmines hailed
Herald Reporter

THE third session of the Zimbabwe-Mozambique Joint Commission on Security and Defence ended yesterday with the participants applauding the two governments for their efforts to clear landmines along the Zimbabwean-Mozambican border. In a joint communiqué, the commission said major progress had been made in de-mining, which would free previously inaccessible parts to border community villages and facilitate free movement of people between the two countries.

The de-mining, the commission said, facilitated the development of the Limpopo Transfrontier Park, an extensive project aimed at enhancing conservation and enhancing tourism between the two countries.

The landmines were planted by Rhodesian security forces in the late 1970s in a bid to stop liberation war guerilla incursions into the country from bases in Mozambique.

The commission also resolved to strengthen security in Zimbabwe and Mozambique as well as in the Sadc region with particular emphasis on the Democratic Republic of Congo.

"In this respect, the commission commended efforts being made by the international community in assisting the DRC in its efforts to attain peace," the communiqué adds.

The commission also noted with satisfaction the excellent co-operation that exists between the two countries with respect to the prevention and fight against crime along the common border.

Authorities in the two countries were urged to continue exchanging information on cross-border crime.

The commission also expressed concern over the influx of refugees from the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa into the region, particularly refugees with a military background.

Worry was raised over the negative impact of the HIV/Aids pandemic on the socio-economic well-being of citizens of both countries.

"In this respect, the commission calls for the intensification of awareness campaigns and the provision of anti-retroviral drugs."

The commission also hailed the protocol nullifying visa requirements, which came into force on November 3.

The meeting opened on Monday and sought to further strengthen co-operation between Mozambique and Zimbabwe on defence and security issues.

The fourth session of the joint commission will be held next year in Mozambique.

Labels: GAME PARKS, LANDMINES, MOZAMBIQUE, ZIMBABWE

posted by MrK @ 6:38 AM