DUSHANBE, July 3, Asia-Plus – 12 demining dogs purchased from Germany have undergone training in Afghanistan, which has a special demining center for dogs, and been brought to Tajikistan, Parviz Mavlonqulov, deputy head of the Tajik Mine Action Cell (TMAC), said, noting that bringing of the demining dogs will definitely speed up the work of deminers.
According to him, they were brought to
Tajikistan
Sunday [July 2] night by a transport plane of the French Air Force. Mr. Mavlonqulov says the dogs and two-month training courses for them in
Kabul
have come to US$72,000 for the TMAC. The OSCE has provided funds for kennels and training of the demining dogs, according to him.
“The special deminig center for dogs in Afghanistan is one of the world’s largest center due to its huge problems with landmines,” said the TMAC deputy head, “In August, the dogs will be sent to four demining teams, which are currently working both inside the country and on the border.”
We will recall that a center for demining dogs was launched in
Tajikistan
in April this year. The opening of this center is part of
Tajikistan
’s broader demining program and it was possible due to financial support from the OSCE.
We will recall that the most of the landmines in
Tajikistan
were laid during the civil war (1992-1997) but they can also be found along its borders with neighboring
Afghanistan
and
Uzbekistan
.
The TMAC deputy head says that demining teams have started mine-clearing operations in the area of 1.75 million square meters of land in the Shul area of the
Rasht
district since July 1.
