Chinese peacekeeping hospital opens in Lebanon

Source: Xinhuanet | 04-17-2007 08:55

BEIRUT, April 16 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese peacekeeping hospital held an opening ceremony in Lebanese southern town of Khiyam on Monday, beginning its mission in the Arab country.

Chinese Level II Hospital, which locates in sector-east headquarters of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)in Khiyam, comprises two Forward Medical Teams and one Aero Medical Evacuation Team, chief of the hospital Gao Guomin told Xinhua.

The hospital provides emergency resuscitation, surgical operations including stabilization limb and life-saving, basic dental care and casualty evacuation to a higher level hospital for all the peacekeeping personnel in sector-east, Gao said.

UNIFIL's Commander, Italian Major General Claudio Graziano, attended the opening ceremony and visited the hospital.

Graziano expressed his respect for Chinese peacekeeping officers' hard work and excellent achievement in setting up a level II hospital which completely meets the UN standard.

"The decision to increase participation in UNIFIL with an important humanitarian asset is a clear demonstration from Chinese people to be part of a global cooperation and to support the peace process in the Middle East," Graziano told reporters.

China contributes 335 troops to UN missions in Lebanon, including 275 officers and soldiers in Chinese Engineer Battalion and 60 others in Chinese Level II Hospital.

Editor:Du Xiaodan