Funding shortfall could end mine operation

NICOSIA, Cyprus, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- The mine-removal operation taking place in Cyprus's buffer zone could end in January without new funding from the international community.

Funding from the European Union for the U.N. demining operation in Cyprus is scheduled to end in January despite the ongoing presence of explosive threats in the buffer zone. U.N. Mine Action Center Program Manager Michael Raine is calling on the international community to continue funding the operation to completely remove the remaining mines, the United Nations reported.

The mines, set following the volatile dispute between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities in the 1960s and 1970s, remain a concern for citizens on the Mediterranean island. In December three mine explosions left several people seriously injured.

"Landmines continue to maim and kill in Cyprus almost 35 years after they were first laid," Raine said in a statement.

"Much progress has been made, but the three accidents in December serve as a tragic reminder that demining work is not done."

Raine estimates that it will cost approximately $7 million to complete the demining operation.