U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Visits De-Mining Programs in South Lebanon

July 31, 2008

U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Bill Grant visits de-mining programs.

U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Bill Grant visited the joint Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and United Nations Mine Action Coordination Center, South Lebanon (MACC SL) today.  This visit was conducted in conjunction with a visit to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Headquarters in Naqoura.  

The U.S. Government has expanded its humanitarian clearance program in Lebanon to reduce the dangers to civilians posed by landmines and other unexploded ordnance.  In the last two years, the U.S. Government has contributed over $10 million to de-mining, victim assistance programs and the maritime unexploded ordnance survey and removal program.  The U.S. contribution to MACC SL has supported the clearance and reduction of 37.7 million square meters in south Lebanon.

Since 2006, the United States has committed over $410 million to the LAF for a variety of services, including upgrading the LAF’s capability to manage de-mining and ordnance removal.  The United States is committed to building the capabilities of the LAF and it will continue to support the government of Lebanon and the LAF as they continue their efforts to safeguard the peace, unity and sovereignty of Lebanon.