The international humanitarian organization Halo Trust needs $400,000 to continue mine clearing activities in Nagorno-Karabakh, said the program manager for The HALO Trust in the NKR Roly Clark, at an event hosted by the British Ambassador to Armenia, Charles Lonsdale, on Dec. 15.

The HALO Trust demining program in Karabakh was funded by the UK government, but in January 2011 the organization’s budget will be cut.  

Clark noted that in 2010 the expenditures amounted to $1.9 million and an equivalent amount is necessary for the organization of demining next year. But for 2011, Halo is $400,000 short.  The demining in the NKR is performed by local residents, whose salary is $400 per month.

Clark called on various donor organizations, as well as the Armenian Diaspora and the Government of Armenia to support the program.

According to him, during 2010, there were five mine incidents. The work will continue even if the amount is not found, but at a slower pace and with 65 less de-miners,  said Roly Clark.