Emirates Post has issued commemorative stam-ps to mark the completion of mine clearance operations in southern Lebanon. They appear in two denominations, 275 fils and 375 fils.
The complete set of stamps is available at Deira Main Post Office, Karama Post Office and Abu Dhabi Central Post Office as of today. First day covers, priced at Dh7.50 each, will also be available. "These stamps reflect Emirates Post's support to all humanitarian initiatives undertaken by the UAE," said Abdulla Al Daboos, director general of Emirates Post.
The operation to make southern Lebanon mine-free followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the UAE and the Lebanese Republic on October 25, 2001. A budget of $50 million was allocated for the purpose, and the UAE collaborated with Lebanon to establish a coordination centre under the UN umbrella.
Sophisticated techniques were used during the mine clearance operation. The UAE Unit sought cooperation from two specialised companies for the mission.
The completion of the mine clearance programme was celebrated in June. More than 62,000 mines were cleared from 123 villages and farms at Soor, Pint Jibail, Marjeioon and Hasbia, from a combined clearance area of five square kilometres.
Meanwhile, an agreement with Empost for the delivery of documents between consular officials and customers has been signed by the Syrian Consulate in Dubai.
Under the agreement, Empost will offer two services, Jawaz and Ameel, as of October 30, costing Dh10 and Dh35, respectively.
"This agreement will speed up procedures and make it possible to transfer passport related documents to all Syrian nationals," said Hayssam Mashfej, the first consul general at the Syrian Consulate.
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