Defense Minister: Iran biggest mine victim
Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami says the country as biggest victim of mine due to the imposed war with Iraq.
He made the remarks in a message on the occasion of the Intl. Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action .
"During the eight years of the imposed war with Iraq, an area of about 42,000 square kilometers of Iranian territory were contaminated by 20 million types of mines and explosives made by countries who claim to be supporters of human rights," Hatami wrote in his message.
He noted that the enemies, in the post-war years, refused to help our country to solve this problem and withheld their technological support from the Iranian nation.
"This made Iran the biggest victim of mine," he added.
"World Mine Awareness Day is a valuable step towards paying redoubled attention to life, health, society, and a safe environment for the carefree life of human society," he said.
The minister hailed the international occasion, announcing that Iran calls on all countries to work harder and pay more attention to this important issue.
He also hoped for a day when violence, threats, and war will be replaced by love and empathy in the world.