2009-10-21 22:34:08
Beirut, 21st Oct. 2009 (WAM) -- The UAE Embassy in Lebanon celebrated the end of Operation Emirates Solidarity (OES), an initiative launched and partly funded and executed by the UAE to assist mine clearing in south Lebanon.

The operation was conducted by the UAE Armed Forces in partnership with the government of Lebanon and the UN Mine Action Coordination Centre (MACC).

Held under the auspices of Caretaker Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, the function was attended by a number of ministers, senior official politicians, military commanders and diplomats.

The scope of the UAE offer was to clear landmines, UXO and booby traps throughout the former Israeli-occupied area of southern Lebanon. The prime goal was safe and timely return of contaminated land to the people of southern Lebanon Best practice demining to International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).

Siniora, attended the celebration which took place today at Phoenicia hotel in Beirut. Premier Siniora delivered a word during the occasion. He was quoted by Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) as saying that Lebanon has witnessed in the past a very critical period of time.

"Thanks to UAE and other Arab states which gave Lebanon a lot of support during that time, as they used to share us our worries pertaining to the security, economic, social and political situations of our country. " Siniora thanked UAE's project for its de-mining activity works in the South. He stated: "The cluster bomb is a problem we still suffer from in some specific regions of the country. Siniora described Israel's bombs as a crime set against humanity." Siniora described cooperation between UAE and Lebanon as exemplary, adding that when Lebanon needed Arab brothers, they were stood by it.

"There are tens of thousands of Lebanese living in the UAE and other GCC countries. The UAE opened its doors to all Lebanese without discrimination. It still follows that wise policy with all Arab countries, including Lebanon." The Lebanese Prime Minister thanked President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, General H.H, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, as well as officials and members of the Emirati team.

Abdullah Khalifa Al Ghafli, Deputy Director of the OES expressed pride at the successful completion of the programme and referred to the UAE's contribution in support of Lebanon thanks to the wise policies of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

He praised the professionalism and dedication shown by the UAE Armed forces in carrying out the clearing operations.

"The programme is an extension of the OES, ordered by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and initially implemented during the period between 2002 and 2004 by personnel from the UAE Armed Forces and a number of international EOD specialists." WAM/MAB