More people were killed by landmines and unexploded bombs (UXOs) in the first three

months of 2005 than during the same period last year.

Since the beginning of January there have been 375 landmine and UXO victims, compared

to 368 during the first three months of 2004, said Khem Sophoan, director general

of Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC).

At the third National Conference on Mine Action held April 28, Prime Minister Hun

Sen announced that the government would budget $800,000 for mine clearance in 2005.

Sophoan said 1,640 communities (comprising around 42,000 hectares) in the country

are currently affected by landmines and UXOs.