Egypt plans to clear mines, develop northwest coast

Egypt is serious and determined to remove mines and explosive objects that had been planted on the northwestern coast so as to help develop the area gradually under an integrated programme for which a full budget will be earmarked.

Opening Saturday a two-day conference on removing mines and developing the northwest coast, Prime Minister Atef Ebeid said that Egypt would deal with this 50-year-old problem, in which Egypt was not a party.

Egypt will begin work in an experimental area to gain experience and provide training.

It is believed that the Axis powers and the Allies planted more than 20 million mines during the desert campaign in World War II.

Removing a mine is estimated to cost $ 500 in the average. A total of 15,000 Egyptians were either killed or maimed by these mines.

The mines stand in the way of cultivating about 1.5 million Feddans in the Alamein area where there is an abundance of subterranean water only five meters deep.

Studies also indicate that an "oil lake" exists under the alamein are which was the scene of main battles between the warring parties.

A plan to use the Qattara Depression to generate power was also halted because of the dangers of mines, as it is believed that more than 4 million mines are buried in this area.

Egypt removed 11 million mines during the period 1988-1993 at a big cost.

Ebeid said friendly countries support Egypt in this project and indicated willingness to cooperate.

"Egypt initially wants maps showing where the mines had been planted and advanced technology and the door will be open before friendly countries to take part in the different stages of the projects," Atef Ebeid said.