Summary
Content
General Introductions
- Those attending included agencies, NGOs and embassy representatives. A full contact list was compiled and will be kept and updated by UNJLC Cyprus.
Agency/NGO Requirements: Cargo
- NGOs are requested to submit their requirements for cargo transport by email to UNJLC at lebanon.cargo@unjlc.org. Details of procedures and Cargo Movement Request forms are available at www.unjlc.org/lebanon. Copies are attached to these minutes.
- WFP is expecting a RO-RO between August 9/10 for initial Limassol/Larnaka/Beirut transport. Vessels are equipped to carry both drummed and tanked fuel through the standard Cargo Movement Request procedure. Details on fuel shipping can be obtained from the WFP Port Captain at niels.olsen@wfp.org.
- The Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently running three Mi-8s (capacity 4 MT) daily between Beirut and Larnaca. When its current mission ends on August 6, it is considering donating its remaining 180 hours to the Logistics Cluster for use by NGOs requiring cargo transport.
- The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing to move 80 tons of aid on Saturday by sea and is looking into providing transport for further shipments. With a list of pre-identified people, passengers may also be accepted.
- Two French vessels are expected to transport goods from Limasso on August 10th.
- ICRC has a 700 ton bulk vessel running from Larnaca, Beirut and Tyre. No pax. Should there be available space, they have expressed their willingness to accept extra cargo. This will be handled through the usual UNJLC cargo movement request procedure.
- ICRC have cold chain facilities and have offered to transport medical supplies currently awaiting transport.
Agency/NGO Requirements: Passengers
- For now, no passenger transport is available between Larnaca and Beirut either from WFP-UNHAS or ICRC. Two passengers will be allowed per trip to accompany their cargo on the WFP RO-RO. It was asked if passengers would be accepted on the return trip, this will be investigated.
- NGOs and agencies were asked to explain their need for pax transport. The problem of obtaining visas into Syria to send people via Damascus, especially for certain nationalities, was brought up as a serious and pressing difficulty.
- Embassies have been approached to fund a passenger boat from Larnaca to Beirut.
- All those in need of pax transport are requested to submit a full list of awaiting passengers to UNJLC at cyprus@unjlc.org. Information should include the passenger’s full name, organization, nationality, passport details and expiry date.
- Actionpoint WFP-UNHAS will investigate allowing two alternative passengers to return from Beirut to Larnaca on transport ships.
Pipeline
- Agencies and NGOs are requested to submit their pipeline information to UNJLC asap to lebaqnon.cargo@unjlc.org, even if the data is not yet precise. This information is used for the planning and funding of cargo transport for all aid organizations which require it. Pipeline forms are available at www.unjlc.org/lebanon.
WFP UNHAS Update
- The Portuguese airforce has offered a C130 to carry cargo, which will do four runs from Brindisi to Beirut on August 4 -7.
- The French embassy has offered a C160 aircraft (capacity 13-14 MT) to carry cargo from Cyprus to Beirut.
- The Egyptian embassy has also offered a C130 to carry humanitarian supplies.
MFA/Civil Defense Force Update
- Communication has begun between Cyprus and Lebanon for the purpose of establishing air traffic slot procedures between the two countries.
Any other business
- The Rotary Club has offered distribution from Beirut to extended delivery points (EDP) in the affected area.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has 1,000m2 of NFI warehouse space available at the airport. Details and contacts will be forwarded asap.
- ICRC has warehousing and is prepared to share space if and when available.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday August 10, 2006 at 03:00 pm at the San Remo Hotel, William Shakespeare #1, Larnaca