Since the end of 2007, MAG’s efforts to clear the Remnants of Conflict in Lebanon have been supported by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This year, German Government support for MAG’s work has been extended to encompass operations in Iraq. Altogether the German Government is providing funding of €550,325 for MAG’s demining operations in 2009.
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The Rzhagaka minefield. [Photos: MAG Iraq] |
MAG has prioritised two minefields for clearance operations In Iraq in 2009 with the German grant.
Pictured left is the Rzhaqaka minefield, which lies close to the village of Balaso – 5km from the Iranian border and 20km from the town of Kalar – in the governorate of Sulymaniyah.
Twenty-five families lived in Balaso prior to the Iran-Iraq war of 1977, but all had to flee due to the intense military campaigns that were fought in the area.
Because of the landmines, which were laid around the houses as well as the surrounding roads and fields, only one family has since been able to return. Both the Governor and Mayor of the district have requested MAG to clear the minefields to allow people to come home.
MAG’s current activities in Lebanon are focused on clearing the huge amount of unexploded munitions found in towns and villages in the south of the country.
Clearance efforts are presently centred on areas between houses, in villages such as Arab Salem, Aadchit, and Yohmor, as well as in agricultural areas throughout South Lebanon.
Contamination from Remnants of Conflict – specifically cluster munitions – continues to pose a serious threat of death and injury to resident populations. It also impedes poverty reduction programmes, by blocking access to productive agricultural land and preventing the recovery and development of sustainable livelihoods that can contribute to the local and national economies.
The German Government currently funds two Battle Area Clearance (BAC) teams in the south of the country. Ongoing support from the German Government enables MAG to continue to address the threat of cluster munition contamination in Lebanon.
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MAG's Head of International Partnerships John Lindon (left) and H.E. Ambassador Georg Boomgaarden signing two new donor agreements in support of MAG's clearance operations in Iraq and South Lebanon. [Photo: Federal Republic of Germany] |
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- MAG Iraq and MAG Lebanon - find out more about MAG's work in these countries
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5 March 09
