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Superman to the rescue

The man of steel is heading to the province to teach children about the dangers of unexploded landmines.

A new comic book featuring the all-action superhero was launched by US First Lady Hillary Clinton on Monday.

It features Superman streaking from the sky to stop two boys from picking up a mine and giving them lessons on how to spot and avoid others.

(Click here to see a picture of the comic's front page)

"It's my pleasure to introduce to you one of the newest members of our international humanitarian committee," Mrs Clinton told a meeting in Washington.

'Beloved hero'

"Superman has been the beloved hero of American children for generations. He's armed with special powers and a big heart. Now he will be both a hero and a guide to the children of Kosovo."

The cartoon, to be distributed to about 500,000 children, has been translated into Albanian and is primarily aimed at returning Kosovo Albanian refugees.

Aid agencies and mine-clearing groups involved in other former war zones have found that landmines and unexploded munitions often resemble attractive toys to inquisitive children.

Similar stories featuring America's favourite caped crusader were distributed in Bosnia after the war there, and in Central America.

The book is the result of an unusual collaboration between the United Nations Children's Fund, Unicef, the Pentagon and DC Comics.

Booby-trapped homes

In Kosovo itself more than 200 accidents involving unexploded munitions, including those dropped by Nato, have occurred since the end of the air campaign six weeks ago.

Many homes and fields have been found to have been booby-trapped by ground forces on both sides..

The UN says that landmines could remain a danger in the province for another five years.

But with superman's help aid agencies hope those casualties can be kept to a minimum.

(click here to return)

Relevant Stories

The price of rebuilding the Balkans (28 Jul 99 | The Economy)
Analysis: UN faces Kosovo challenge (29 Jun 99 | Europe)
The deadly debris of war (22 Jun 99 | Europe)
More refugees injured by mines (19 Jun 99 | Europe)

Internet Links

UN High Commissionr for Refugees Kosovo Crisis Centre
Jane's Mines and Mine Clearance
Mine Action Information Centre
United Nations Mine Clearance

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

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