Israel gave the United Nations incorrect maps on the location of mines set up during its 22-year occupation of southern Lebanon, a peacekeeping official said Wednesday.
“The maps supplied by Israel are not correct and we are counting on our own demining experience to pursue our work," said Ouli Kovriniok, a colonel in the Ukranian specialist unit.
Kovriniok told reporters that 83 mines have been removed from the Lebanese border town of Manara, but declined to say how many mines the UN force has unearthed since it started its work.
The Ukranian peacekeeping unit, which specializes in demining and logistical support, began its work on the Israeli-Lebanese border in late June. Last month it was reinforced by 500 Ukranian soldiers with special equipment.
The United Nations estimates that 130,000 mines are scattered over some 900 square kilometers (360 square miles) in the zone Israel occupied from 1978 until last May.
Mines have killed six civilians and injured another 50 since the Israeli withdrawal, according to the Lebanese branch of the Red Cross UN -- MANARA, Lebanon (AFP).
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