Russia Briefs UN Peacekeeping Delegation about Mine-Clearing Operations in Syria

Russia has briefed UN delegation on peacekeeping operations about training process for humanitarian mine clearance and operations carried out in Syria.

The UN delegation headed by Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations visited the Russian International Mine Action Centre located in Nakhabino, Moscow region, to discuss future cooperation and joint peacekeeping activity, Russian MoD said in a statement Monday.

Colonel Igor Mikhailik, the Chief of the Centre, told the delegation about training process for humanitarian mine clearance.

According to him, mutual visits by heads of Russian and UN military departments paved way for live talks and find the shortest possible way to settle any issues.

In his turn, Jean-Pierre Lacroix thanked the Russian side for the possibility to visit the Russian Mine Action Centre.

According to him, Russia is a key partner for the UN both in general and in peacekeeping activity.

The delegation also learned about Russian experience of mine clearance in Syria. In course of humanitarian operation, the Russian engineers of the Centre have cleared more than 6,500 ha of the land, 1,500 km of roads, more than 17,000 buildings and facilities, the statement said.

Lieutenant General Vladimir Popov, the Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces, also met with the UN representatives to discuss priority spheres in Russian peacekeeping activity and modern challenges and threats of peacekeeping troops.