Fifty-two members of Cambodia's second Mine Clearance Team returned home yesterday following a yearlong mission to Sudan, according to a statement released by the UN. Cambodia retains a large peacekeeping force in South Sudan, With 224 troops currently on mission. South Sudan, which became an independent nation on July 9, experienced the longest civil war in African history, "By sharing your skills and experience with countries that are still struggling to rid themselves of the scourge of landmines, your work will help make development possible and give opportunities and hope to the people and communities in which you serve," the statement quoted Anne Lemaistre, head of Unesco's Phnom Penh office, as saying at the welcoming-home ceremony at Pochentong airbase.
Cambodia has taken part in previous demining operations in Sudan, with a total of 577 Cambodian peacekeepers having served in the country since 2006. So far, 612 Cambodian troops have completed peacekeeping missions, including demining missions in Chad and the Central African Republic, and there are currently 219 peacekeeping troops in Lebanon, where they are engaging in bridge-building and demining activities.
(Kate Bartlett)
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