Japan contributes to a NATO Trust Fund Project in Azerbaijan
On 17 April, Japan signed the official documents related to their recent contribution to a NATO/PfP Trust Fund in Azerbaijan.
This Trust Fund aims to complete the clearance of some 571hectares of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) contaminated land located at the former military base at Saloglu and the nearby towns of Agstafa and Poylu.
The UXO contamination has presented a considerable safety and environmental hazard to the local population, resulting in a number of fatalities and injuries in the past years. The project started in November 2005 and the Final Phase, expected to start in April 2009, shouldbe finalized within 24 months. Upon completion of theproject, the cleared area will be handed over to civilian use.
Japanese support is significant and is contributing toward the successful conduct and finalization of the project. Australia is also contributing to this project.
This is the second time that Japan has contributed to a NATO/PfP Trust Fund project. The first was for a project in Afghanistan.