LEBANON: SECTION 1207 FUNDING USED FOR DEMINING

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIRUT 000522 SIPDIS SIPDIS NSC FOR ABRAMS/SINGH/YERGER DEPT PASS TO EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE DEPT FOR S/CRS CONFLICT PREVENTION DIVISION SECDEF FOR OSD PARTNERSHIP STRATEGY OFFICE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PARM PGOV PREL PTER LE SUBJECT: LEBANON: SECTION 1207 FUNDING USED FOR DEMINING AND CIVIL SECURITY PROGRAMS REF: STATE 1550 SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (U) In FY 2006, the State Department's Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization (S/CRS) received $10 million under Section 1207 of the 2006 National Defense Authorization Act in response to an emergency request for assistance to Lebanon following the July 2006 war between Israel and Lebanese-based Hizballah. A USG interagency group, including representatives from DOD and State, implemented a number of humanitarian and stabilization programs. $5 million worth was dedicated to demining activities and the remaining $5 million was used to support GOL security forces. Activities funded through 1207 have had a positive impact on thousands of Lebanese citizens and has helped stabilize the country in the aftermath of the war. End Summary. SUCCESS STORIES -------------- ¶2. (U) From September 2006 to December 2006, a total of 2,170,915 m2 of Lebanese territory was cleared of mines and 11,642 pieces of unexploded ordnance (UXO) were removed and destroyed by the Mine Advisory Group (MAG). The 1207 funds also allowed for the recruitment, equipping, and training of Battle Area Clearance teams (BAC). Section 1207 funds also equipped the operational Mine Action Center (MAC) in south Lebanon to deal with unexploded ordnance (UXO) and sub-munitions clearance operations. Since August 2006, nearly 17,000 remnants of war, including cluster sub-munitions, booby traps and other unexploded ordnance UXO have been destroyed and over 6.8 million m2 of land have been cleared in south Lebanon. Nearly 450,000 residents now live safe and secure lives free from land-mines as a result of this funding. ¶3. (U) In addition to demining activities, $5 million of the FY 06 1207 funding went to activities supporting the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF) and General Security (GS), both government law enforcement agencies. With FY 2006 1207 funding, 2000 sets of Civil Disorder Management (CDM) equipment was delivered to the ISF's Mobile Forces, which helped them to contain subsequent pro-Hizballah street protests in Beirut. A USG funded program trained the ISF to 
use this gear to preserve order during a chaotic political time in Lebanon. The ISF action meant that street protests were unsuccessful in bringing down the democratically elected government, the protesters aim. ¶4. (U) FY 06 1207 funding also helped equip GS with 20 computers programmed with i2 investigative analysis software. Funds will also help train GS officers to operate these programs. This donation was the first USG foreign assistance granted to the GS and supported the mission's goals of strengthening Lebanon's control over its borders by assisting the GS, which has the sole responsibility over immigration at the Beirut International Airport (BIA),four land border crossings, and several maritime ports. INTERAGENCY COORDINATION -------------- ¶5. (U) After the July 2006 war between Israel and Hizballah, Embassy Beirut established a Reconstruction and Stabilization (R&S) Office consisting of two FSOs and two LES specialists. The purpose of this office, which reports directly to the Front Office is to track all USG foreign assistance in Lebanon to ensure coordination and maximum utility. The R&S office chairs weekly meetings of representatives from DOD, State (MEPI, INL, PD, and RSO),and USAID. Officials from the three agencies discuss the implementation and evaluation of all USG funded programs, including FY 06 1207 projects. ¶6. (U) At these meetings State and DOD officials often discuss and coordinate on security assistance programs and BEIRUT 00000522 002 OF 002 share information and best practices. For example, State officers worked with DOD colleagues to determine the best type of CDM equipment to purchase or hold discussions on best practices for end-use onitoring procedures between State and DOD representatives for the 20 donated Dell desktops. Thiscooperation has empowered the relatively small embassy staff managing 1207 to build on the strengths and expertise of fellow Country Team members. FINANCIAL STATUS -------------- ¶7. (U) Most of the appropriated $10 million in FY 06 has been expended. Only $138,000, or 1.38 percent, has been obligated but not yet expended. -$4.1 million was expended for Civil Disorder Management Gear for the ISF and all equipment and training has been provided. -$2.8 million was expended for demining activities by the Mine Advisory Group (MAG) and all equipment and training has been completed. -$2.2 million was expended for demining activities by the contractor, RONCO, and all equipment and training has been completed. -$550,000 was expended for Investigative Analysis Equipment for GS and all equipment has been provided and the training will commence May 2008. -$200,000 was expended for a Training Program and Curriculum Development for the ISF and all training has been completed. -$30,000 was expended for Physical Fitness Training Equipment for the ISF and all equipment has been delivered. -$138,000 was obligated to an Intellectual Property Rights project in conjunction with the Lebanese Intellectual Property Association (LIPA) and the program has yet to begin, but will start in the next few months. SISON