Norway offers landmine clearers for Afghanistan
Date: 20-Dec-01
Country: NORWAY
The Norwegian Defence Ministry said, at a request from Washington, a
team of 10 to 15 mine clearance experts were ready to fly to Afghanistan
at short notice.
"We have a team ready, but we are awaiting final acceptance from the
United States," ministry spokeswoman Kirsti Skjerven told Reuters.
The ministry said Norway had experience from similar operations in
Kosovo and that the United States would provide logistical support and
protection in Afghanistan.
Afganistan's new rulers and the U.S.-led coalition which toppled the
former Taliban government have yet to agree on the size of a foreign
peacekeeping force for Kabul.
The United States and Britain are keen to see the international force in
place before the new government takes office on Saturday.
