12:32 GMT, November 26, 2009 A new Trust Fund demilitarization project in Jordan was launched on 19 November 2009 with the signature, at NATO HQ, of an Agreement between Italy (the lead nation for the funding) and NAMSA (the executive agent for the project).

This is the second Trust Fund demilitarization project in Jordan, and builds on the achievements and experience gained in the first project that started in 2008 and for which NAMSA was also executive agent.

The Jordan II project comprises two initiatives. One is the funding of a Mine and Explosive Remnants of War Risk Education Programme to be carried out by the National Committee for Demining and Rehabilitation in the heavily affected provinces of Ajloun, Jerash and Zarqa. The other is the acquisition and installation of equipment for the newly built ammunition demilitarization facility in Zarqa, and the provisioning of technical and managerial training as required.

NAMSA will provide the required management oversight and technical guidance, while ownership of the project and achievement of objectives will be in the hands of the Jordanians. This will ensure the desired knowledge transfer and will reinforce civilian-military cooperation.

The overall cost of the project is estimated at EUR 2.6m and it is expected to last two years. Italy and the Netherlands have already pledged EUR 1.4m and interest expressed by a number of Allies and Partners should soon turn into financial contributions.

The Executive Agent Agreement was signed by Ambassador Stefano Stefanini (Italy’s Permanent Representative to NATO) and Mr Antonios Chatzidakis (NAMSA General Manager) in the presence of Ambassadors Claudio Bisogniero (NATO Deputy Secretary General) and Ahmad Masa’deh (Ambassador of Jordan to Belgium).