Ireland has pledged to help Vietnam clean up post-war bombs, mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the next years under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in Hanoi on Oct 29. The MoU was signed by Irish Minister for Trade and Development Joe Costello and Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Vu Xuan Hong on the former’s visit to Vietnam from Oct 28-31. Accordingly, Ireland will support the implementation of Vietnam’s national action program to overcome the consequences of wartime bombs and mines through activities to clear UXO and support the disabled. Mr. Costello said that his agency will fund EUR600,000 for the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) to conduct UXO clean-up activities in the central provinces of Quang Tri, Quang Binh and Quang Nam from 2012 to 2015. The two sides will share experience in surmounting the aftermaths of bombs and mines. During the period, Irish Aid will provide EUR2 million in aid per year to increase the participation of non-governmental organizations in poverty reduction and policymaking as well as improve the rights of the disabled in Vietnam, the minister added. Mr. Hong thanked the Irish government for its assistance of Vietnam’s humanitarian and development programs, especially in overcoming the consequences of such bombs and mines. He affirmed that VUFO will ensure Irish projects can operate effectively in Vietnam and boost the solidarity and friendship between the two nations. Thousands of unexploded bombs and grenades are still buried in the ground cross Vietnam. Since the Vietnam War ended in 1975, more than 40,000 people have died of the leftover explosives (Quan Doi Nhan Dan –People’s Army Oct 30 p8, Tin Tuc – News Oct 30 p2, Vietnamplus.vn Oct 29)
