NNA - Through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Program (GGP), Japan supported Dan Church Aid (DCA)-Lebanon to clear mines and cluster munitions in Al Bustan, Alma Al Shaab, Marwahin and Dhaira villages on the Blue Line. Japan supported DCA-Lebanon for three consecutive years to unlock development and agricultural opportunities in the targeted areas. This assistance enabled more than 10,000 community members to regain safe access to their resources, which can largely contribute to ensuring food security and the sustainable growth of the region.

On 29 September 2022, Ambassador Okubo Takeshi attended the inauguration ceremony at Al Bustan village, in the presence of Lebanon Mine Action Center (LMAC) Director, General Jihad Bechelany and DCA Country Director Mr. Mike Bonke.

The ceremony opened with the national anthems of Japan and Lebanon, followed by congratulatory remarks from Ambassador Okubo, General Bechelany and Mr. Bonke, and a tour in the cleared lands.

In his speech, Ambassador Okubo said Japan has long supported Lebanese Armed Forces’ efforts to make Lebanon free from mines and cluster munitions, based on the belief that investing in demining activities is crucial not only to reinstate security but also to reactivate the socio-economic growth in the previously unusable lands. Mr. Bonke, in return, thanked Japan’s generous support to DCA-Lebanon, which has lasted since 2011, and expressed its commitment to contributing to clearing mines and cluster munitions in Lebanon. General Bechelany expressed his gratitude towards the Japan’s long-standing support to the demining sector in Lebanon and highlighted how it has contributed to the local community.

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