Iraq committed to the Ottawa Mine Clearance Treaty by 2028

Baghdad - INA

The Ministry of Environment confirmed, today, Saturday, that Iraq is committed to the Ottawa Convention to eliminate mines by 2028.

"Regarding the issue of mines in Iraq, the country is a party to the Ottawa Convention, which sets a global cap for mine clearance by 2028," Environment Ministry spokesman Louay Al-Mukhtar told the Iraqi News Agency (INA), stressing that "Iraq is committed to the plans set to end the mine file by 2028.".

He added that "some exceptional cases may occur, such as budget shortages or other delays, which may prompt us to request a limited extension of this period, provided that it is not far from 2028.".

Regarding the development road project, Al-Mukhtar confirmed that "the Mine Affairs Department at the Ministry of Environment is working in continuous cooperation with the parties concerned with the project to rely on a clear mechanism that requires providing the ministry with specific coordinates for the road path, and based on these coordinates and available maps, it is determined whether the area is contaminated with mines or not.".

He added, "If the area is not polluted, the project will proceed without any obstacles. However, if it is polluted, coordination will be made with the relevant authorities to carry out mine clearance operations first, in accordance with the procedures adopted in this file."