EUROPEAN COMMISSION HANDS OVER EQUIPMENT TO AZERBAIJAN NATIONAL AGENCY FOR MINE ACTION

On 29 October 2003, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Office in Azerbaijan will host the ceremony on the handover of transport vehicles and equipment to Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA ). ANAMA will receive vehicles, mine detectors, mobile phones, computer and radio equipment, office furniture and medical equipment with the total budget of approximately $320 000.

The equipment has been procured under the “Landmine Impact Survey (LIS)” Project in Azerbaijan, funded by European Commission (EC) and executed by UNDP. The LIS project started in 2002 and is implemented by ANAMA, the international NGO, Survey Action Center (SAC), and the national NGO, International Press Fund (IEPF). The main objective of the survey is to provide reliable and standardized date on the socio-economic impact of landmines on communities in Azerbaijan.

The equipment will provide a long-term benefit for ANAMA in demining operations conducted in the Fizuli, Agstafa, Hanlar and Agjabadi rgions. Some of the equipment will be transferred to IEPF to support their future demining activities in collaboration with ANAMA.

Ambassador of Italy Ms. Margherita Costa, representing EC, and UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Marco Borsotti will participate in the ceremony.