Japan may slash funds for clearing land mines in Cambodia

The Cambodian Mine Action Center(CMAC) has expressed concern over a proposed 50 percent cut from Japan's annual aid contribution to clear land mines and unexploded ordnance (UXOs) in Cambodia, national media reported Thursday.

The proposed cut would take effect in 2009, English-language newspaper the Phnom Penh Post said.

Khem Sophoan, director general of CMAC told the Post that the Japanese contribution is 1.2 million U.S. dollars, adding that 350deminers would lose their jobs if the funds are slashed, leaving 300 hectares of land in northwestern Cambodia uncleared.

"No decision has yet been made. The donor has given us time to lobby before the embassy marks the red line to cut off half of their aid to us," Heng Ratana, deputy director general of CMAC, was quoted as saying.

He added that negotiations were intensive and the stakes high.

"If the aid is halved, it will drastically affect the activities of CMAC," he said.