Chinese government on Monday provided Lebanon a quantity of de-mining equipment in a bid to aiding the Lebanese Army in mine clearance operations.

During the hand-over ceremony held in the Logistic Brigade of the Lebanese Army, Chinese Ambassador in Lebanon Liu Zhiming presented the equipment including mine detectors, de-mining protective gear and jack-hammers to the Lebanese Army.

"We hope that our aid will help protecting Lebanese independence, sovereignty and safety," said Liu.

On the Lebanese part, the Brigadier of the Logistic Brigade Ahmed Mokdad read a letter from the Lebanese Army Commander, Gen. Michel Sleiman.

In his letter, Sleiman highly appreciate the role of China with its government, people and army for constantly supporting Lebanon and the Lebanese Army in executing its national missions.

He also appreciate the sacrifices of Chinese soldiers working under the command of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Lebanon's south is riddled with landmines, laid by retreating Israeli soldiers who pulled out of the region in 2000, after an 18-year occupation. Hezbollah has also planted mines to ward off Israeli forces.

(Xinhua News Agency June 19, 2007)