Iraqi RCS gold medal for Hamdan bin Zayed

The award comes as a recognition of Shaikh Hamdan's efforts, which culminated in the success of a massive relief operation aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Iraqi people.

This was announced here yesterday during a meeting between the UAE RCS, headed by Secretary-General Sanaa Darwish Al Qitbi, and its Iraqi counterpart, headed by Dr Jamal Nasser Al Karbouli, Chairman of the Iraqi RCS.

In remarks after the meeting, Dr Al Karbouli expressed thanks to Shaikh Hamdan for his sustained efforts, both before and after the war to extend a helping hand to the distressed civilian population in Iraq. "It is in recognition of this noble gesture that the Iraqi RCS has decided to award its gold medal to Shaikh Hamdan.

"This is an honour that the Iraqi RCS has not conferred upon any person since its establishment in 1943," he said.

He added that the award is presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the field of humanitarian works.

"This is what Shaikh Hamdan and the UAE RCS have done as exemplified in the RCS presence in every province of Iraq, despite the prevailing difficult conditions."

Commenting on the award, Sanaa said the personal commitment and keenness of Shaikh Hamdan have led to the success of RCS operations in Iraq.

She said the UAE RCS was the first international relief agency to land in Iraq. She added that the award was also a recognition of the efforts of the entire UAE people.

This recognition, she said, has always been expressed by the Iraqi people across the country, who have shown their love and gratitude to the President, His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for responding to their plight.

On other projects currently run by the RCS in Iraq, Sanaa said that among these vital projects is the orphans support programme, under which orphans will receive support until they are 18 years old.

The proramme is part of the scheme which involves 25,000 orphans around the world.