NATO to fund new landmine education project

20 November 2009

Jordan and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Thursday signed an agreement to launch a new trust fund to execute an education programme on landmines and explosive remnants of war.

Under the accord, signed during a ceremony held at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, the NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency (NAMSA) will establish a new facility for ammunition demilitarization in Zarqa, according to a NATO statement received by The Jordan Times.

Jordan's Ambassador to Brussels Ahmad Masaadeh signed the deal with Italy's Permanent Representative to NATO Stefano Stefanini, as Italy is the sponsoring country for the project.

They were joined by NAMSA General Manager Karl-Heinz Münzner.

The education programme will be conducted by the Jordanian National Committee for De-mining and Rehabilitation in the governorates of Jerash, Ajloun and Zarqa, the statement said.

In December 2007, Jordan and NATO signed an agreement under which the alliance financed a two-year programme to locate and destroy explosive remnants of war through a 3.4 million euros trust fund.

Masaadeh said in his speech that the success of the first project has led to the launch of the new trust fund even before the first one is through, saying it is a solid proof of the seriousness, credibility and commitment that Jordan upholds in its partnership and cooperative relationship with NATO.

He added that the new initiative is a solid proof of commitment and desire within NATO members to further improve cooperation and partnership with Jordan.

"This project is not only about changing the life of local communities in the impacted area, but also about opening new opportunities for wider areas of development to the country in the fields of tourism and agriculture" the envoy explained.

The ceremony was attended by a number of ambassadors to the alliance and a delegation of Jordanian media representatives currently visiting NATO.

© Jordan Times 2009