AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY- BEIRUT

AUSTRALIA FUNDS CLEARANCE OF UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE IN SOUTH LEBANON

20 May 2010

Australia will provide A$500,000 to fund the clearance of cluster munitions and unexploded ordnance in south Lebanon in 2010, through its implementing partner, Mines Advisory Group (MAG).

“We are proud to support the work of MAG”, said Australian Chargé d’Affaires James Batley.

“Like MAG, Australia is firmly committed to working towards a world free from landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war.”

The project will deploy three mine action teams to remove cluster munitions throughout south Lebanon between May and December 2010.  As a result, cleared land will be released back to Lebanese communities, enabling the development of housing and infrastructure, and boosting the economy.  Currently, MAG employs more than 95% of its staff from affected communities, further benefiting local economic recovery.

Australia is a longstanding supporter of mine action, having contributed more than A$175 million over the past 12 years to assist affected countries and communities, including by providing over A$3 million for mine action in Lebanon since 2006.

Landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war pose a real threat in many countries, including Lebanon, harming and killing innocent civilians and delaying development.

Through its Mine Action Strategy, Australia continues to support affected countries by focusing on reducing deaths and injuries, improving the lives of victims and building the capacity of countries to manage their mine action programs.