General

• The Logistics Cluster and UNJLC  are activated for the Lebanon Crisis Relief Operation.

TS WFP/LC: Update on operations

• All movements from SYR to LBN are down by road via Al Alrida.
• Vessels from Cyprus will come to the Port of  Beirut as soon as it becomes operational. No estimated time-frame for this availability in this moment. RC-ship was authorized yesterday by the IDF but was given a very short window and could only download 40% of the cargo. Latakia is an alternative sea-hub at the moment.
• Number of UN vehicles in LBN: 50 on the ground, plus 10 in the pipeline. 25 additional vehicles are scheduled for the 11^th of August.
• Brindisi material will be shipped soon on a vessel. Advise to the agencies to keep material there and to check that transport possibility.
• The service provided by WFP as lead agency for the LC is available for anybody

• In the case of NGOs, they have to be registered partners of OCHA Lebanon
• UNJLC will assist for the coordination: a tracking system is operative, waiting for users to send their Cargo Movement Request (CMR).
• The cargo prioritization will be a decision by the Humanitarian Coordinator supported by UNJLC.
• Actors were encouraged to use the system to keep a global overview of the aid flow, key at the end of the operation.
• Costs of the Cyprus and Al Alrida hubs are covered by the SO, the parties bear the distribution costs.
• Warning on the importance for accuracy of the CMR info: as security clearance has to be obtained for every case, any amendment will delay the process enormously, as a new one would have to be requested. Special declarations for sealed material (vaccines etc.)

• Average transport prices in Syria: as per WFP experience, 15c per ton per km (no more than 20 or 25c per ton per km)

• Vehicles registration: the current number plate has to be notified to UN LBN for clearance. Otherwise the border crossing might be prohibited by the authorities.
• Fuel: LBN faces shortage. TS explained the measures taken so far. JLC: works on finding sources and advising on how to identify needs. Agencies asked for assistance of the WFP on that issue. Requirements need to be specified by the users.

 Other Actors Update on Operations

• WFP estimates to be moving up to 35,000 tons/month
• UNRWA is moving small quantities of food and medical supplies
• IOM has already two vehicles in Beirut and has daily convoys to Al Arida
• UNFPA is moving small quantities of medicines and will expecting one more cargo, this one with WFP collaboration.
• UNICEF is cooperating with WFP since day 1. UNICEF is mobilizing vehicles (looking into a tracking system for those); has vaccines, drugs and medical kits waiting for clearance from Beirut; studies further ways of collaboration with WFP for movements inside LBN.
• World Vision is moving NFI from Brindisi and Dubai; they have 7 offices in LBN.
• Islamic Relief has cooked meals, two trucks in Al Alrida (that might join the WFP convoys); also 10000 mattresses, hygiene kits, 4000 collapsed jerry cans
• MERCY is waiting for more specific requests from LBN.

OTHERS

•  SECURITY CONCERNS: The possibility of non-UN vehicles to be tagged along to the UN convoys was discussed. The confirmation of the real possibilities for each case (both cargo and staff movements) has to be checked with Security.

 NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, 9th August 2006, WFP Office (address to be confirmed).