European Union Trains Libyan Experts on Explosive Ordnance Disposal 13/12/2012 09:39:00

The European Union, jointly with the Libyan Ministry of Defence and the Libyan Armed Forces, recently organised a pilot course to train Libyan security experts on how to collect and destroy unexploded ordnance. The course, over 26 days, was run by Danish Church Aid. On December 9 the successful students received their diplomas from EU Deputy Head of Office Khaldoun Sinno, EU Defense Advisor B. Gen. Luigi Scollo, B. Gen. Mansour Abo Hjar Chief of Libyan land force, Col. Jamal Shablik, Libyan Engineering School Commanding Officer, Col. Mohammad Na'airiyah Chief of Training Department, Col. Yusuf Abd El Jawad, Libyan Armed Forces Defence General Staff LMAC, and Mr. Knut Furunes, DCA Manager, during a ceremony at Hamza Camp in Tripoli. Mr. Emad Abdulbaki from UNSMIL also attended. Handing over the diplomas to the successful participants, EU Deputy Head of Office Sinno underlined that: “The European Union is deeply committed to creating a safe environment for all Libyans. You should be proud of your efforts and your newly gained skills, which will contribute to a safer Libya.” Background The recent conflict has left many areas in Libya scattered with unexploded ammunition, creating a serious risk for civilians on a daily basis. The Libyan army has started to collect and destroy these unexploded ordnances with the financial support from the European Union. This project is part of the wider effort by the EU and its Member States to contribute to a more secure environment for Libyan people. In partnership with the Libyan authorities and other international partners, the European Union is seeking to provide more than EUR 10 million over the next years to deal with remnants of war and unexploded ordnances. These efforts will assist in building a national capacity to clear unexploded ordnances through hands-on training and mentoring