UN hands over first batch of equipment to Darfur AU force

Jan 11, 2007 (KHARTOUM/AL-FASHER) -– The United Nations handed over the first batch of equipment and supplies today to African peacekeeping mission in Darfur.

In the implementation of the UN Light Support Package to the African Union Mission in Sudan, UNMIS handed over today the first batch of equipment and supplies to AMIS. The remainder of the Light Support Package equipment to be handed over to AMIS is expected to be delivered in the coming weeks.

The equipment, including night vision goggles, generators, tents and other supplies, is part of the first phase of UNMIS support to AMIS, known as the Light Support Package, worth a total of US$ 21 million.

Phase two of UN support to AMIS in Darfur will consist of a Heavy Support Package, including additional staff and equipment. The UN and the AU are in the process of finalizing the Heavy Support Package and will jointly inform the Government of Nation Unity of Sudan on its details in the framework of the Tripartite Mechanism.

In addition to equipment and supplies, the Light Support Package is comprised of personnel fully dedicated to supporting AMIS, namely 105 military staff officers, 33 police advisers and 48 civilians working in the areas of logistics, administration, support to the DPA and mine action. As of today 17 military staff officers and 19 police advisers are already in Darfur.

This support comes in response to the findings of the Joint AU-UN Technical Assessment Mission, which were shared with the Government of Sudan, and pursuant to the Communiqué of the African Union PSC, adopted at its 58th meeting on 27 June 2006. It is also based on a number of specific areas identified by the United Nations and the African Union Commission where the United Nations could provide concrete support to AMIS.

Below the full list of the equipment handed over to the AMIS

List of Equipment to be handed over to AU on Thursday 11 January 2007

– 172 Night Vision Goggles (NVG)
– 36 Ground Positioning Systems (GPS)
– 240 Sleeping bags
– 240 Mosquito nets
– 40 x 6 man tents (240 soldiers)
– 16 assorted generators/ 5 x 20 KVA+ 5 x 7 KVA+ 3 x 15 KVA+ 3 x 5 KVA
– 10 double ringed cookers

List of Equipment to be handed over to AU as it arrives to Darfur
(To be delivered on the coming weeks)

– 168 NVGs
– 10 comprehensive medical packs
– Primary TV/Video Camera Kit
– Primary TV/Video Camera Kit-Studio System
– Supplementary TV/Video Camera Kit with option
– TV/Video Cabling Kit, without cabling
– TV/Video Cabling Kit, with cabling
– TV/Video Lightening Kit
– TV/Video Editing Kit
– Digital Imaging
– Website Publishing and Print Publishing Kit
– Website/Desktop Publishing
– Public Address Kit
– Pharmaceuticals, as agreed upon in writing by U

(UNMIS)