22 September 2009

U.S. Humanitarian Mine Action Helps Sri Lankan Families Come Home

October 2 webchat with State Department weapons removal officials

Land mines are a major challenge facing communities across Sri Lanka and in many post-conflict nations around the world, from Angola to Afghanistan. In these countries, clearing land mines is a key step in setting the stage for peace, stability and political reconciliation.

On October 2 at 9 a.m. EDT (13:00 GMT), join Deborah Netland and Emma Smith of the State Department, who have recently returned from a site visit to Sri Lanka. Find out about U.S. efforts to promote post-conflict recovery through clearance of abandoned land mines and other explosive remnants of war.

For more information on mine removal in Sri Lanka, please visit http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entries/sri_lanka_humanitarian_mine_action.

Deborah Netland and Emma Smith work for the U.S. Department of State in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs’ Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement.

Participate live or post your questions any time before the chat at https://statedept.connectsolutions.com/peace.

To participate in this webchat, please go to http://statedept.connectsolutions.com/mines. No registration is needed. Simply choose "Enter as a Guest," type in your preferred screen name, and join the discussion. We accept questions and comments in advance of, and at any time during, the program.

The transcript of this webchat will be available on America.gov’s webchat page, where information about upcoming webchats is also available.