UN transfers logistics base in Lebanon to Government for use as anti-mine hub

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today transferred its logistics base in Tyre to the country's Government for use as a mine action coordination centre.

Speaking to participants at the hand-over ceremony, Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Personal Representative for Southern Lebanon, Steffan de Mistura, said the establishment of a Mine Action Coordinating Centre at Tyre marked an important step for demining the south.

The envoy noted that the event also demonstrated the positive spirit of cooperation prevailing among Lebanon, the UN and the United Arab Emirates, which has donated $50 million for the demining campaign, dubbed "Operation Emirates Solidarity."

For his part, Lebanese Defence Minister Khalil Hrawi expressed hope that the demining initiative would help prompt the return of displaced people to their homes while increasing economic activity in the south.