During the Western military alliance's bombing of the former Yugoslavia, which forced Serbia to withdraw its troops from Kosovo, cluster bombs were frequently used on the south Serbian city of Nis. Unexploded bombs from the war have yet to be disabled in several areas of Serbia.
"In line with the government's instruction, the Russian Emergencies Ministry is sending 60 specialists to Serbia to provide assistance in demining. Russian specialists will be engaged in work to clear the territory of an airfield near the city of Nis and the adjacent area," the ministry said in a statement.
The work will begin on August 1, after a camp is set up and reconnaissance is carried out, the ministry said.
"This is the first part of a humanitarian project to render Serbia assistance in demining its territory. This work is expected to be continued in other areas next year," the ministry said.