Representation included: The Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cyprus Civil Defense, British High Commission, Embassy of Russia, USAID, DFID, EU Civil Protection, WFP-UNHAS, UNJLC, OCHA, IOM, ICRC, MSF, UNHCR, WHO, UNFICYP, OXFAM, Air-Serv Int., ICAO, World Vision, Rotary Club, Samaritan’s Purse and IMC.

Discussion Item

Action Points

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Cyprus

• The representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was present with two customs officials to respond to questions and problems incurred by the humanitarian community. The MFA requested a list of accredited NGOs and agencies participating in the Lebanon operation in Cyprus.
• IOM has had trouble getting access the airport departure area despite having filled out all the formalities. The MFA has been trying to assist but approval has still not yet been granted.
• Procedures for transshipping goods from Larnaca airport to the port of Limassol are being updated and will be posted on the UNJLC website.
• Some problems have arisen regarding the import of bulletproof vests for onward movement. These require a license from customs at the airport. The Logistics Cluster is liaising with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to try to reach an agreement on the procedure to follow.
  
• There have been issues surrounding the import of equipment for the temporary use of agencies and NGOs based in Cyprus. VAT is currently being waved on these items on a case by case basis only.
• UNJLC will draft information on names and contacts and procedures for customs issues. This will be distributed as soon as possible.

OCHA to provide a list of accredited organizations.

Situation in Lebanon

• DPKO (UNFICYP) advised that the food and fuel issue in Lebanon is worsening, and Tyre is completely cut off with nothing getting in or out.
• Leaflets were dropped in the south warning people of a 6pm curfew. Anyone moving after this time risks being considered as a hostile target.
• DPKO is preparing a list of UN and NGO humanitarian workers currently in Lebanon in the case of a possible evacuation. Names and contact details should be sent to wickware@un.org. Organisations should avoid sending additional staff to Lebanon due to the deteriorating situation.
  
• South of the Litani, all the bridges are gone and any repairs are targeted again immediately.
• As of 10/08, the UNIFIL supply vessel was unable to land at Naquora to deliver its supplies, including 74,000 litres of fuel, and effectuate staff rotation for UNIFIL troops on the ground.
  

Support from UNFICYP

• UNFICYP is looking to provide for an Airbridge between Cyprus and Lebanon for the transport of emergency passengers and sensitive cargo (ie. cold chain).
  
• Currently these helicopters do not have IDF clearance to fly into Lebanon.
• Only one of the two has external tanks allowing for passenger flights. The other would need internal tanks, allowing for cargo transport only.
  
• Foreign governments are flying some helicopter rotations between Cyprus and Lebanon, including those of the US, Britain and Canada.

Agencies

Logistics Cluster

• The Logistics Cluster is still awaiting a list of priority items from OCHA. Meanwhile the Lebanese Government has published a list of priority items which could be posted on the website.
• The Logistics Cluster and the MFA are awaiting a list of accredited NGOs/IOs from OCHA.
• WFP-UNHAS is currently concentrating on getting a humanitarian air corridor and slot system in place for present air operations. With Government approval, the WFP-UNHAS air cell will be collocated with the Cyprus Joint Rescue and Coordination Centre (JRCC) at Larnaca airport.
  
• The WFP-chartered RoRo “Anamcara”, with a capacity of 3,000 MT, is expected to make its first sailing to Beirut on August 12^th. ETD is 17:00 with an ETA in Lebanon of 04:00 on August 13^th
  
• The French ship ‘Siroco’ is due into Cyprus from Beirut on Friday August 11^th.
  
• UNJLC informed that tons of aid has been coming into Larnaca airport without previous announcement through the UNJLC Cargo Movement Request (CMR) procedure, causing a backlog of goods in warehouses. Users of this procedure were requested to file a CMR 48 hours before the arrival of the goods so the appropriate arrangements can be made in advance.
  
• Improper packing of relief goods entering Cyprus is causing a bottleneck at the airport. All cargo should be palletized and secure.
  
• Cargo Movement Requests submitted without key information will be returned for completion, causing delays in service for the requesting organization.
  
• Cargo submitted through the CMR procedure without a clearly marked, accredited consignee cannot be accepted. If cargo should arrive in Beirut without an accredited consignee it will be placed in a Lebanese Military common warehouse.
• For the moment, the Logistics Cluster has no authorization to use the Beirut port warehouse. Goods must be therefore be moved on immediately upon arrival.

WHO

• WHO has established a presence in Cyprus to assist the Ministry of Health and establish a Health Cluster in Larnaca in support of shipments.

UNHCR

• UNHCR is collecting local procurement data for potential suppliers which can be used by UN agencies and NGOs. Prices, though fairly high in Cyprus, are judged to be sufficiently reasonable to offset the huge cost of transport from abroad. The list included tents and medication. A consolidated list will be posted on the UNJLC website.

OCHA

• OCHA is established in Larnaca to support the Government of Cyprus and coordinate humanitarian activities.
• Future meetings might be broken down into one general information meeting in addition to smaller, more specific workgroups.
  

UNJLC advises 48 hours for pre-clearance requirements.

NGOs/IOs

• Many NGOs are facing visa difficulties when trying to get staff into Lebanon via Syria. OCHA advised that it is aware of this problem and is making it a high priority.
• ICRC wished to clarify that it is not part of the Logistics Cluster but works independently and has its own pipeline and transport.
• ICRC advised that the route from Saida to Tyre is no longer accessible.
• The Rotary Club is shipping Shelterboxes to Lebanon. These include a tent, mats and sleeping bags. The Rotary Club distribute within Lebanon with the help of members in country.
• The Ministry of Civil Protection advised that the Ministry of Commerce has provided a list of local suppliers, and may also be able to negotiate lower prices for humanitarian organizations looking for relief supplies.
• The Ministry of Civil Protection will be providing supplementary information on cold chain around Larnaca.

Donors

• USAID, DFID and the European Union were present at the meeting. For the moment, USAID has no plans to support passenger transport between Cyprus and Beirut.

Corrections to Last Week’s Minutes

• Contrary to what was said in last week’s minutes, ICRC has no cold chain capacity.
• Any requests to ICRC for cargo transport should it have some additional capacity should be forwarded directly to ICRC.
• The correct email address for all Cargo Movement Requests is lebanon.cargo@unjjlc.org.