The UK's International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander praised MAG's "dedicated team of professionals" on his official visit to the organisation's Manchester headquarters.
On MAG’s work removing explosive remnants of conflict from all over the world, the Secretary of State said: “Tragically there remains a real need for organisations like MAG.
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MAG Chief Executive Lou McGrath OBE (right) explains the workings of the deadly Valmara 69 landmine to Secretary of State for International Development Douglas Alexander. The 'V69' launches to a height of 45cm and releases 1,000 steel fragments, lethal to a distance of 25m. |
“Thousands of people, men, women and children trying to overcome the suffering of conflict, are affected by mines every day and that’s why MAG is so important. On a practical level, they truly are a lifesaving organisation.
“I think people in Manchester should be incredibly proud that a world-leading organisation, a Nobel prize-winning organisation, is based in this great city. I want to pass on my heartfelt thanks to MAG for the important work they’re doing.”
MAG’s work is in part funded by the Department for International Development (DFID), where Douglas Alexander is International Development Secretary. In the past year, DFID has funded operations in Angola, Cambodia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Laos, Lebanon, Sudan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
As part of the visit the Minister officially opened MAG’s new building, which 54 members of headquarters staff moved into earlier this year.
MAG’s Chief Executive Lou McGrath OBE said: “We are very pleased that Mr Alexander is finding time to visit our new offices today and, more importantly, to learn about what MAG is doing to help some of the world’s poorest communities.
“The devastating effect remnants of conflict have on people still shocks me, even after 20 years with MAG. Whether here in Manchester, or out in the field, everyone at MAG is working hard to reduce this threat and help people develop a better future for themselves. It’s great that Douglas Alexander has had a chance to see all this happening in person today.”
Stockpile: a film from D.R. Congo
Stockpile is a documentary from Spin Film [www.SpinFilm.org] set in the Democratic Republic of Congo and featuring the work of MAG.
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