ARG.L Regulatory News (ARG)

25 Sep 2006 12:07

ArmorGroup International plc25 September 2006 ArmorGroup International plc Awarded $5.6 million mine action contract in Lebanon ArmorGroup International plc, the leading international provider of protectivesecurity services, specialist training and of weapons reduction and mineclearance services, today announces that it has been awarded a $5.6 millioncontract by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to carry out a battle area clearanceprogramme in support of the UN Humanitarian Aid Relief efforts in South Lebanon. ArmorGroup's teams will be deployed by the UN's Mine Action Coordination CentreSouth Lebanon (MACC SL), based in Tyre, to clear unexploded ordnance (UXO) andcluster munitions left behind following the recent military action in theregion. The initial contract is for one year and is due to start immediately,with a phased deployment of manpower up to full strength by 1 October.ArmorGroup expects to deploy a substantial team which will include over 100deminers, medics and support staff from a wide range of countries includingBritain, Lebanon, Germany, New Zealand and South Africa. Prior to the recent military actions, the MACC SL was focusing its attention onthe clearance of an estimated 2.1 million square meters of land known to stillbe contaminated by landmines, booby traps, and unexploded ordnance. The recentaction significantly increased the amount of contaminated area to be cleared ofUXO, mines, booby traps, and cluster bombs. ArmorGroup has offered mine action and weapons reduction services togovernmental, commercial and humanitarian organisations since 1994 and haveprior experience of UAE-funded mine action programmes in Lebanon. Over therecent years the Group's teams have carried out weapons reduction and mineclearance action in 20 countries including Cyprus, Ethiopia, Kosovo, Croatia andmost recently in Southern Sudan. Dave Seaton, Chief Executive Officer of ArmorGroup, commented: "We are very pleased to have won this important clearance programme in Lebanon.The UXO and cluster bomb contamination in the area poses a direct threat tocommunities and the displaced, hampers humanitarian relief, impedes movement ofpeacekeeping troops and hinders the already difficult task of rebuilding homesand essential infrastructure in the area. This sort of programme is critical tothe sustainable redevelopment of the region, as until the contamination iscleared it is almost impossible for local communities to repopulate their homesand restart their economy safely and confidently. We continue to supportreconstruction and redevelopment programmes around the world across all ourservice lines." For further enquiries please contact: Patrick Toyne Sewell Director of Communications, ArmorGroup International plc Tel: +44 (0) 20 7808 5848 Mob: +44 (0) 7767 498 195 Email: ptoynesewell@armorgroup.com Notes to Editors ArmorGroup International plc For over 25 years ArmorGroup has been recognised as a leading provider ofdefensive, protective security services to national governments, multinationalcorporations and international peace and security agencies operating inhazardous environments. It has 9,000 highly trained and experienced employeesand long term operations in 38 countries. Over the past two years it hassupported its clients in over 160 countries across the Middle East, Africa,North and South America, the CIS and central Asia. ArmorGroup International plcis headquartered in London and listed on the London Stock Exchange. ArmorGroup provides its services through three core divisions: ProtectiveSecurity Services, Security Training and Weapons Reduction and Mine ClearanceServices. It complies with the US Foreign and Corrupt Practices Act, 1997 andthe UK's Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act, 2001 and has also beencertified to ISO 9001:2000 and to ISO/IEC 27001:2005. For more informationplease visit www.armorgroup.com. Weapons Reduction & Mine Clearance Division ArmorGroup has offered mine action and weapons reduction services togovernmental, commercial and humanitarian organisations since 1994. It offersthe following services: • Project management and technical consultancy • Training and development of national capacities • General and technical site survey and risk assessment • Mine risk education and community relations support • Landmine impact survey • Quality assurance and quality control • Explosive ordnance disposal including landmine, UXO and battle area clearance • Range clearance and decommissioning • Underwater UXO survey & clearance • Small arms and light weapons destruction and ammunition stockpile reduction • Arms and explosive search and access control This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange