PRESS RELEASE

JSAC Supports Removal of Munitions Cache in Battambang Province

Phnom Penh, November 27, 2006

Japan Assistance Team for Small Arms Management in Cambodia (JSAC), local authorities and Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) are cooperating to remove buried explosives and ammunition in Santepheap Commune, Sampov Loun District, Battambang Province.

Information of the hidden munitions was provided by villagers after attending JSAC workshops. In these workshops, villagers are encouraged to hand in all small arms and provide information on hidden weapons to the authorities. Following this information, JSAC, CMAC, police, military and other authorities have been working together to carry out the challenging task of safely removing all explosives.

2,362 ammunition and explosives, including mortars and mines, have been removed so far. The operation of removing these explosives will continue until mid-December. The cache is believed to be hidden by Khmer Rouge forces during the civil war.

JSAC is a team for implementing “Peace Building and Comprehensive Small Arms Management Program in Cambodia”, established by Japan International Cooperation System (JICS). This Program is the first Japanese Government Grant Aid Program for conflict prevention and peace building. JSAC has implemented its weapons collection and other peace building activities in the northwest areas of Cambodia and is currently focusing on Battambang Province and Kompong Thom Province. The number of small arms collected through JSAC activities since 2003 is now 23,751.

This weapons cache in Sampov Loun is the eight one being cleared this year as a result of JSAC’s public awareness activities and financial support.

ENDS