Military remains of 2008 Russia-Georgia war to be cleared

The latest NATO-led mine clearance project has been launched in Georgia’s post-war territories to clear the lands that were once battlefield from the dangers of mine or weapon explosions.

The NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) Trust Fund Project launched the ‘Georgia IV’ program yesterday, which aimed to clear the military remains in Georgian territory that were damaged after the Russia-Georgia war in August 2008. By doing this, the area would become safer for the local population and usable for the local authorities.

NATO Trust Fund Project Manager David Towndrow visited the Skra village, in Gora region yesterday and observed the progress of the ‘Georgia IV’ project.

"I am satisfied with today’s event. Georgian military engineers are well prepared to hold demining works at the territory of Skra village. Georgian military personnel have learned skills to destruct the mine. They are completely ready to start cleaning work,” Towndrow said.

A press release by Georgia’s Ministry of Defence stated the project would envisage the removal of military ammunition from the collapsed underground bunkers. This would make the area safer and reduce the risk of an explosion from the damaged ammunition and weaponry, which would threaten the international rail line and nearby villages.

Specialised equipment and trained personnel were already on site and ready to begin the demining works, the Ministry said.

Georgia has actively cooperated with the NATO Support Agency (NSPA, former NATO Maintenance and Support Agency, NAMSA) since 2002.

As part of Georgia’s cooperation with the NATO PfP Trust Fund Project, a number of stages – ‘Georgia I’, ‘Georgia II’ and ‘Georgia III’ have already been successfully implemented.