MK Nissim Vaturi has responded to accusations leveled against him following the deadly disaster at Ramim Heights, in which critics charged that the committee he chairs on mine and unexploded-ordnance clearance has convened only twice during the current Knesset.
In his response, Vaturi rejected the claim that the number of formal sessions reflects the scope of his work. "Committee meetings don't necessarily indicate what's being done," the MK said. "Other MKs didn't show up to the sessions, so they turned into meetings between me and the Mine Clearance Authority."
Vaturi detailed the steps he has taken on the sensitive issue and stressed that the work has been continuous with the professional bodies involved. "There were several meetings with the Authority, I dealt with them directly, and I toured minefields three times," he said. "The flagship project I took on, beyond the routine handling of mine clearance along the eastern border and the Golan Heights, was clearing the mines in Canada Park, including securing a sum of 12 million shekels, which is about to get underway."
