March 30, 2006	Thursday	Safar 29, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, March 29: German army personnel would return home on March 31 after taking part in the relief and rescue operations in the earthquake-affected areas. “We are very happy of our accomplishments during one of the longest relief efforts in Pakistan”, German Ambassador Dr Gunter Mulack said at a press conference at his embassy here on Wednesday that marked the official farewell of the German army relief team.

First Secretary Media and Political Affairs, Andreas Von Brandt and Stefan Molde the Deputy Commander German Army Relief Team were present on the occasion.

Mr Mulack said, German helicopters arrived immediately after the October 8 catastrophe last year.

They have been working from the beginning in extremely difficult conditions, negotiating through treacherous mountain terrain.

“They have done an excellent job and enjoyed good relations with Pakistan armed forces and authorities”, the ambassador said.

He said that there had been no security problems and the German army team were taking back fond memories of their stay in Pakistan.

“However, this is not the end and German assistance will continue as efforts are shifting from relief to the reconstruction phase. We have committed $110 million grant which will not be paid back and utilised in phases,” he said.

He also highlighted how the Johanniter International Assistance had visited the earthquake affected areas and then set up field hospital at Chattar Plane (NWFP) which would be entirely handed over to the local authorities.

Commander of the German Disaster Relief Team, Maj Jurgen Haupenthal spoke about achievements and the challenges during the last six months.

“By the end of this week, the German army team will wrap up its activities in the affected areas. The German helicopter contingent has been active from the third day after the earthquake until today,” the German commander said.

Two German helicopters were among the first to come and will be one of the last to leave. Eight German helicopters made 1,250 sorties, rescuing and relocating 10,300 people and transporting 3,000 tons of relief and reconstruction goods, he said.

Two were now left and would be returning after March 31. There were 60 German army personnel at the moment.

Counsellor EC Cooperation and Development, Jutta Burghardt speaking at the conference elaborated some of the initiatives Germany was taking in the reconstruction process.