The Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) will temporarily cease operations on Nov.1

until difficulties over funding are resolved.

The centre's director, Ieng Mouly said the decision to stop demining had not been

taken lightly.

"After almost 18 months of effort to set up a Cambodian Mine Action Center,

it makes no sense to me, both as a concerned Cambodian and as its director, that

in the next two weeks, an organization which can save thousands of lives and provide

an environment conducive to growth and prosperity, will be allowed to wither,"

said the center's director.

Mouly says resuming operations will be extremely difficult. "The reality is

that this vital organization will cease at a time when its survival is essential

to Cambodia's own survival," he added.