UAE's support to De-mining Operations in Southern Lebanon

United Arab Emirates25 October 2004Draft

The UAE's commitment to protect its brothers and friends from potential lethal risks was reflected in its initiative to make Southern Lebanon mines-free. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the UAE and the Lebanese Republic on 25th October, 2001, as a result of a noble initiative launched by H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. UAE President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, where UAE allocated a sum of $50 million to help de-mine the Southern Lebanon liberated areas. U AE collaborated with Lebanon under the UN umbrella to establish a coordination center. The project was divided into three Phases. The 1st Phase tackled the issue of identifying and clearing of deceptive traps. The 2nd phase was divided into four geographical areas covering 472 square kilometers and including 92 towns and villages in Soar, Pint Jibail and Marjiyoon. It became clear that the aforesaid area embedded 306 minefields, of which 58,000 mines were anti-personnel. Souvenir sheet: none. Size: 30 x 40 mm in sheets of 50 stamps.