-THE UNEF WEEKLY
THE SAND DUNE
SAND DUNE PAGE 1
VOL.VI - NO 45 NOVEMBER 9,1962 UNEF HQ.GAZA
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SUCCESSOR TO THE DANISH THRONE PAYS VISIT TO GAZA
The Successor to the danish Throne, Her Royal Highness Pricess Margrethe will visit Danor Bn on November l8. The visit to Danor Bn will be in connection with the Princess´ official visit to President Nasser of the UAR and shows the keen interest taken bu the Danish Royal family and the Danish Government in the national contribution to this UN operation. CO of Danor Bn, Lt col K Tretow-Loof willl meet the Danish Princeess in Cairo. Her Royal Highness will be received at hte Airport by col Condil, Acting Comander UNEF from there the party willl proceed to Danor Battalion with inspection of Hill 88 and a visit to Coy 1 and the ADL. Princess Margrethe who will be escorted by Danish Ambassador to UAR will leave for Luxor on the same day.
COMMANDER PRESENTS UNEF MEDAL TO YUGOSLAV BATTALION
On Monday, November 5, Lt Gen PS Gyani, Comander UNEF, presented the United Nations Emergency Force Medals to the officers and men o the Yugoslav Bn. General Gyani was received in El Arish by Lt Col Branko Miscevic, second-in command os the Yugoslav Bn. On Arrival at Bn Hq General Gyani took the salute and then in keeping with the Yugolav Army tradition, he said: "Zdravo vojnici", meaning "hello soldiers". The soldiers replied "Zdravoo". After inspecting the troops, Gen Gyani congratulated the men for their good work and said: ".This morning it is my privilege to present to you the United Nation Emergency Force medal and at the same time I am availing of this opportunity to bid you all farewell. The medal that I have the honour to present has been awarded to you by the United Nation in recognition os your services rendered to UNEF in maintaining peace and quiet in this region". Thanking officers and men of the Bn for having sucessfully accomplished their task, the Commander said: " it has been a grat pleasure and an honour for me to have had you in UNEF and under my command, I have beenvery impressed with your high standard of discipline and efficiency and your enthusiasm and cooperation both on duty and in the various other UNEF activities and sports. Again many thanks for your devotion to duty and I wish you good luck and success in the future" Following the speech, General Cyani presented UNEF Medals to Lt Col Branko Miscevic and theBattalion Staff Officers. The medals to the men were presented by their Company Commanders. After the parede refreshments were served at the Beach Villa. Present at the parade were Brigadier General G.Hammad, Chief UARLS, Col EC Condil, Chief of Staff, Mr.Hausner, CAO, cOL bRANKO jERKIC, Yougolav LO, Col HS Bisht, commander Indian Contingent, Lt Col Ante Kokeza, Chief of Military èrsonnel, COs of the different Battalions and other officials from the HQ UNEF.
SWEDISH AMBASSADOR TO VISIT GAZA
The Swedish Ambassador to the UAR, His Excellency AHF Croneborg, will pay a three-day visit to the Force next week. He will be accompanied by the Secretary of the Embassy, Mr. EOL Westerberg. On arrival at Gaza airfield on Sunday, the Ambassador will be received among those by Lt Gen PS Gyani. Later the Ambassador will call on the UNEF cCommander at his villa, Brigadier-General G.Hammad and the Governor-General of Gaza. In the afternoon he will attend a special function at the Swedish Bn. He will visit UNRWA and will inspect Swedish sector of ADL. On Tuesdaay morning the Ambassador will fly back to Cairo.
COMMANDER ON LEAVE
Lt Gen PS Gyani, Commader UNEF, will be away in India on leave for about six weeks. The General will be leaving Gaza by the middle of this month and will be back in the first week of January l963.
Col EC Condil, Chief of Staff, will officiate as commander UNEF, in the absence of Lt Gen.PS.Gyani.
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S O C I A L A N D P E R S S O N A L
Nearly 150 guests attended the B R A Z I L I A N C A R N I V A L N I G H T at the tastefully decorated and candle-lit villa 16-A, on Saturday, November 3. Choicest drinks and delicious Brasilian dishes were served while the Brazilian Band was in attendance. Also included in the programme was the fancy -dress -ball.The party, wich lasted till the small hours of the morning, was a great success and the host, Lt Col Baeta had indeed spared no efforts.
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The Indian Contigent Commader, Col HS Bisht, will be leaving Gaza for India next week after having completed his one-year term. He will be succeded by by Col Siri Ram. Also going back to India will be Maj ML Kohli, OC 296 Composite Unit ASC, Rafah, after having completed term of service with the UNEF.Replacing him will be Maj Yenkataraman
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Deir el Ballah., Rafah and El Arish have been very much in the news lately because of the new faces that have descended or are about to descend upon theses places. And this time the UNEF Headquaters, which had been for months preparing for the turn-over of various contigents, has itself undergone a few changes. The Young affable and soft-spoken Maj Pushpinder Singh, known as "Pushi" to his friends, has taken over as the Operations Officer from Major Verma who is returning to India. He belongs to the Infian Armoured Corps and has already done his Staff College Course. Aomg his hobbies are riding, hunting and sight-seeing. Also from the Indian Armoured Corps is the genial, tall and young officer with a moustache and an ex-student of the Stephens College, Dlhi, Major RB Lal who has taken over as the Headquarters Commandant from Major Adisare, Vr.C. He was commissioned into the Indian Army in l948. He is a great lover of art and music and culture. His hobbies include photography and fishing.
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The new MILITARY PERSONNEL officer 6-foot tall, and broad shouldered Major KM Chacko, is an officer with rich and varied experience. He combines in him the qualities of a soldier as well as those of a psychlologist. He was commissioned into the Indian Army in l946. He is fond of reading and likes to have long walks. Major Chacko replaced Major Raj Singh who is returningg home at the end of his term.
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The 43-year-old Major C.F. Floren from Sweden, who arrived in Gaza on October 24, is the replacement for Major Ahlenius in Operation Section of HQ UNEF. A soldier of l9-year standing, has spent most of his time with the " Kunglig Skauska Trangresementral" at Hasslcholm in Skauc and finish special officer school course in l949-50.
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From Jerusalem last week came Mr.Veeckman O, who has joined the Registry Section at HQ UNEF.
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Among those leaving Gaza Strip for India this week will also be Cpl G.Verghese and Pte Ayyappan of Public Information Office. In the production and distribution of the "Sand Dune", Cpl Verghese has been quite helpful during the last one-year. Pte Ayyappan, driver of Chief, Public Information Office, will be missed by all and more so by " citroen 1032" which he had been looking after so well. "The Sand Dune" and the staff of Public Information Office, wish them bon voyage. Also dining-out on Nov 7 at the seaview Offrs´Mess will be Jem PN Seth, Jem Tarrlok Singh and Jem PS Nair. They will be sailing to India from Port Said on November l3.
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G A Z A - N O T E B O O K
HANDS ARE CLEAN......
Some of the menbers of the Seaview Mess, it is reported, had for some time been eager to solve the mystery behind the ever-missing soap in the mess toilet. The other day one of these inquisitive-minded men landed straight into the Mess toilet immediately after the offices had been closed for the day. As usual he found no soap. While washing his hand, he saw another mess-mate entering the toilet and said in complaining tone that he had always found water and paper napkins in the toilet but no soap. "Dont´t you know that the hands of the UNEFers are clean" asked the other.
EPISTLES AWAITED......
Our correspondent reports that OC of Indian Postal Unit, the genial and kind-hearted Captain HG Kulkarni, popularlly known as "Dada" (elder brother) has been making hectic efforts to get a room on rent as he plans to start a class on "how to secure prompt reply to your letter". Some of the newly arrived officers from India have for many days been pestering him for what they think failure to bring them mail from home. Although dozens of letters have been sent home by these officers dbut so far they have had no reply. Captain Kulkarni believes that his technique, and instructions, if followed. would open the floodgate of letters.
WHEN THE SAINT´S....
It was Saturday, the eve of all Saint´s Day, the sea was rough, wind was lowing and night was pitch dark. Not many souls were on the road and those who happened to move about did so in groups for fear of coming across gobblins and witches. The lights at*- the Seaview Mess were off except a few candles, which were burning too dimly.... Outside one could hear shrisks and whistling as some of the vil spirits were roaming about. Inside the Mess there was a large and distinguished gathering including some unusual faces clothed in attires of days bygone. The annual halloween party was on. People drank and danced while the Yugoslav band played tunes to keep the evil spirits off. Also danced on the occasions these men of stone and medieval ages. Children behaved well and played no tricks as they had their share of chocolates and candy. The proud winners in fancy-dress competition were the recepients of prizes as well as congratulations.
CAIRO LEAVE CENTRE ...
Opening next week-end will be leave Centre at Cairo, when the first batch of officers and other ranks of the UNEF will arrive there for a week´s holiday. The Leave Centre will remain open for 22 weeks and will close on May 9, l963. The Leave Centre programme has been divided into three phrases, the first will last four weeks, the second 5 weeks and the third l3 weeks.
NOT LIKE THE OLD DAYS...
Villa 64 - a name and a number carverd deeplly into the minds of old UNERFers. Not because of its height, nor its blue color - but because of its previous inhabitants. Villa 64 - a landmark, whereby UNEFers navigated at all times. Some UNEFers never found out where the commander´s residence is - but they all knew "the blue heaven". Now, everythings is changed. The girls moved to (Dis) harmony hall or villa 89, and the Yugoslav Officers have taken over the "heaven". Some people claim that the parking area in front of 64 is not so crowed any more, but may be it is because the new inhanbitants don´t look so much like angels !?!
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U N - N E W S
Discussions on resolving the Cuban Crisis and specifically on removal of Soviet Strategic Weapons from Caribbean island continued in New York at the week´s end. Meanwhile the Assembly called recommended displomatic and economic sanctions against South Africa because of its policy of apartheid. This was the first such action against a menber state.
The economic committee adopted a resolution recommending that states and various UN bodies take the principles of the Cairo Declaration into account when dealing with problems of economic and social development. The declaration, adopted at meeting of more that 30 developing countries, touches upon such problems as co-operation among developing countries, intenational trade, and economic and technical aid for development.
The debate on the question South West Africa opened in the trustesship committee. The inicial speakers generally supported the recommendation os special commitee that firm and besolute action was required to enable UN to supervise developments in the mandated teritory. South Africa maintains that UN derives no authority from the league of Nations mandate.
The Secretary-General said this week that efforts tp end Katanga´s sucession were making little progress and that time was reunning out on the plan to restore Congoless unity under Federal Constitution.
U Thant said that the plan od national Reconciliation was not negotiable and that its execution could not be indefinitely delayed. Meanwhile, India formally requested that its troops serving with UN Force in Congo be released as and when the Secretary-General feels they up almost a third of the 13-thousand man UN Force.
NIGHT PATROL DEMONSTRATION
On November 6, Lt Gen PS Gyani, Commander UNEF, attended a Night Patrol Demonstration at Brazil Bn. The demonstration was commanded by Lt. Cordeiro and the Commander expressed his satisfaction with the show. Also attending were COS, Col EC Condil, Lt Col Darcy Lazaro, CO Brazil Bn and high ranking officers of other contingents.
CRC-DANCE
A dance party will be held at the Civilian Recreational Centre tomorrow. THE BRAZILIAN BOYS will play.
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G A L L A N T M A R A T H A S
With the arrival of the main body of the 2nd Battalion of Maratha Light Infantry (Kali Panchwin), comanded by Lt Col JD Stanley this week in Gaza Strip, the sixth turn-over of Indian Contigent which began on October l7 was complete. The new Battalion holds the proud record of having won the highest number of awards in a single action during First World war. Also arrived with the Marathas to Deir el Ballah was the three-foot high bronze status of Shivaji, one of India´s greatest generals and the greatest Maratha general, who founded Maratha empire in 16th century. The war cry of the Bn is "Chhatarpati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai". The 2nd Bn of the Maratha Light Infantrky long konwn for its colourful sobriquiets is one of the oldest and most renowned units of Indian Army. Since its raising in 1768, it has fought with distiction in many a fierce and bloodly battles. For its outstanding gallantry in Afghanistan it was awarded the title of Light Infantry in 184l. This was indeed a much cherished achievement for it signified that Marathas were lithe, active and fast moving. Durant the First World War of 1914-18, the Bn while engaged at Sherqat in Mesopotamia, covered itself with glory by winning two Distinguished Service Orders, four Military Crosses, six Indian Orders of Merit, l6 Indian distinguisehed Service Medals and eight mention in despatches in a single action. This record even to this day, has remained unsurpassed. In World War II the Bn served with the famous 4 Indian Division in the North African campaign. During the battle of Kerem it fought a most gallant action in capturing. Flat Top Hill and holding it against fierce counter attack by the enemy. The 2 Marathas celebrate "Keren Day" as the Battle Honour Day, on l5th of March every year. During the defense of TUBRUK in 1942, the Bn fought gallantly, lost 50 per cent of strength in killed and wounded while the remaining men were taken as prisoners. All ranks of the kali Panchwin wear a red and green hackle on their head-dress as a proud rememberance of the battles fought and won by this Bn. Lt Gen TB Henderson Brools is the colonel Commandant of the Regiment, and the Nizam of Hyderrabad, General His Exalted Highness Nawab Sir Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur, G.C.S.I., G.B.E., and Maharaja of Kolhapur, , Major-General His Highness Chhatrapati Sir Shahaji Maharaj, K.C.S.I., are the Honarary Colonels of the Regiment.
A T I M E T O R E M E N B E R
At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, two minutes silence will be observed by about 300 million people in Canada, Britan, France and the United States. The Timing marks the cessation of hostilities in the First World War and of the signing of the armistice between the Allies and Germany. But for the millions of people who will stand silent with heads bowed, it will be time to pay respect and remember the three and a half million allied soldiers, sailors and airmen who made the supreme sacrifice in the First and Second World Wars and in Korea. And for the Canadian soldiers and airmen in Gaza Strip, it will be a day sacred to the memory of fallen comrades. At Camp Rafah, all Canadians, except essential duty personnal, will attend Remembrance Day Church Services followed by a ceremonial parade. At 11 a.m. a lone bugler will sound the last Post, two minutes silence will be observed and then the bugler will play Reveille. Remembrance Day, now known as Veterans Day in the United States, meets the spirt of the basic aim of the United Nations Charter -"To save succeeding generations from the scourge os War". For Those persons who remember the Day, it is a constant reminder of evils of war. On That day, a poem written 45 years ago will be again printed in newspapers, broadcast on radio and television, incorporated into speeches, and recalled by millions who remenber.Its English author, the late poet Laurence Binyon, may be forgotten by most tho celebrate Remembrance Day, but the words thet end the poem are unforgettable - "Atthe going down of the sun and in the morning we will remenber them". It has been the Remembrance Day pledge since the First World War. A New poem, titled "Battle Scene", written this year by Major Paul Mayer, Canadian Guards, will quickly bring to the minds of Second World War and Korean Veterans the grim memories of their battles and of their fallen comrades. One stanza of the poem reads: "But on that bloody ground so roughly gained / Lie envelopes that yesterday were men / Who fought and dies to win another day / So that in years to come some shining stone / Might hear Reveille and last Post -alone". However, in hundreds of cemeteries across Nort America and Europe the shining stones will not be alone when the sounds of the Last Post and Reveille softly penetrate the air.Thousands of people will attend Remembrace Day ceremonies, including prayers and lalying of wreaths. The inscription, "They liveth for Evermore... "on war memorials and in military cemeteries is surely a truism for millions of peopleon Remembrance Day as well as a grim reminder to them of the accorge of war.
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S I K H S B A S K E T B A L L - C H A M P S
The 2 Sikh bagged the UNEF Basketball Champioship after beating the Yugoslav Bn in their last match by 60-30. The Sikhs, who played 8 matches won all the matches, thus obtained the first place in the championship.The Yugoslav who won 6 matches and lost 2 were the runners-up. They lost both their matches to the Sikhs. CBUME claimed the third place having won four and lost four matches. The results are : Yugos beat 296. Comp Unit 60-l5; Sikhs beat Indian Signals 107-22; Sikhs beat Yugos 59-36; CBUME beat Indian Signals 45-20; CBUME beat 296 Comp Unit 61-30; 296 CompUnit beat Indian Signals 42-25; Sikhs beat 296 Comp Unit 100-22; Yugos beat 296 Comp Unit 117-32 and Sikhs beat Yugos 60-30.
UNEF HOSPITAL TO BE TAKEN OVER BY SWEDES
The Norwegians will bring to an end their management of the UNEF hospital at Rafah next April, Col LG Udjus, chief Surgeon of the Norwegian Army, announced last week. The Colonel said in a newspaper interview that the new Norwegian personnel wchich came to Rafah with the rotations recently, will be the last Norwegians to operate the Hospital. The Hospital has been operated bly Norwegians ever since it was establisched in 1956. It has been decided that Sweden will take over the responsability for UNEF Hospital, preliminary for one year. It is not yet known who will manage it after that time, Col Udjur said. The Colonel said a great number of Norwegian doctors have been serving with UNEF Hospital during the last six years. It has been a fruitful time, not least from a medical point of view, and we are working on a report which I think will be rather interesting, Col Udjus said.
DANOR ROTATION COMPLETED
With the arived yesterday of the last batch of Norwegian soldiers, the semi-annual rotation od Scandinavian troops serving with the UNEF has been completed. Last to arrive have been the troops of the Dannor Battalion - The combined Norwegian and Danish force - and personnel of the Norwegian Hospital at Rafah. The Commander of Danor Bn is alternatively a Norwegian and Dane, this time Danish Lt Col K Tretow-Loof, who took over the command from Norwegian Lt col AG Lund. Lt Col Tretow-Loof, 44, joined the Army in 1936. He took part in the Finnish-Russian War, during which he was decorated three times. Later he joined the Danish ressistance movement, was captured and sentenced to death by Germans, but the war ended a few days later before the sentence could be put into effect. After the war he attended several military courses in the United States and other countries. He attained the rank of Lt Col in 1958 and was the last five years before his assignment lto Danor Bn Commander of the Danish Infantry Reserve Officers School. Last year action-loving Lt Col Tretow-Loof underwent training as paratrooper and broke his spinal bone in a jump some months ago. But he is determined to start jump-ing again after his assignment wit UNEF is finished. Second-in-command of the Danor Battalion is a Norwegian Officer, Major B Gaaskjolen. He joined the Army in 1938 and led a sabotage command in the resistance movement after his country was occupied by Germans. Major Gaakjolen has the highest staff and weapons education of Norwegian Forces.
C R C K I N D E R G A R D E N
Recentely the civilian staff has started a Kindergarden in the Civilian Recreational Centre. Classes are from 9 to l1 a.m. and already l4 kids of different nationalities play under the supervision of Mrs.Lignos
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BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF GURU NANAK CELEBRATED
The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was celebrated by officers and men of Indian Contigent in Gaza Strip´on Sunday. At the Sikh Bn Gurdwara at Deir el Ballah a special "Diwan"(service) was held which was largely attended. At this function the seven-day programme of reciting verses from the holy scripture of the Sikhs - Guru Granth Sahib - was concluded. The programme also included ddinging of Bhajans and "Shabads" and a talk on the life of the great Guru. A similar function was held at 296 Composite Unit Gurdwara at Rafah, which had been tastefully decorated for the purpose. The function among others was also attended by officers and men from Canadian, BRAZILIAN and Swedish Contigents. The 48-hour non-stop reciting of verses from Great Sahib was concluded with singing of "Bhajans (hyms)". The head-preacher of 2 Sikh Bn spoke on the life of Guru Nanak and his teachings and also mentioned his experiences in Mecca and Baghdad Guru Nanak, one of the greatest spiritual leaders of India, was born in 15th century in the Puujab.
B A T T L E OF L I L I E F O N T E I N
On November 7, the Recce Sqn of the Royal Canadian Dragoons at Rafah will commemmorate the battle of Liliefontein, during the South African War of 1899-1901. On that day the cavalry squadron of the Royal Canadian Dragoons were engaged by the Boers and in the ensuring conflict three members of Regiment so distinguished themselves in battle that each was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry in the British Forces. The Royal Canadian Dragoons is the only Regiment in the Canadian Army ever to have been awarded three Victoria Crosses in a single day. The Recce Sqn at Rafah will hold special function on the day which has been declared as an official holiday for the Units.
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F I L M S
HELL´S ISLAND (black and white)with John Payne, Mary Murthy, Francis L.Sullivan. A former District Attorney, now in finacial distress, is offered $ 5000.00 to investigate the disappearance of an expensive ruby. He accepts because it will bring him in contact with the girl who jilted him to marry another. The girl is arrested for robbery and murder, the ruby is recovered and the former District attorney is determined to forget the girl.
JIVARO(black and white) with Fernando Lamas, Rhonda Fleming and Brian Beith. A rugged, handsome adventurer operates a trading post on the Amazon River. Abeautiful girl comes to this area to marry her fiance believing him to be a plantation owner. Actually he has become a druken drifter intent on finding gold. When her fiance is killed by natives and the other men at the post make passes at her, the trading post owner comes to her rescue and they fallin love.
THOSE REDHEADS FROM SEATTLE (black and white) with Rhonda Fleming, Gene Barry, Agnes Moorehead, and Teresa Brewer. During the Gold Rush Days, a mother and four daughters leave Seattle to join the father in Alaska where he publishes a newspaper, however, upon arrival they discover he has been murdered. The handsome owner of the town saloon is suspected. While he and one of the daughters fall in love at first sight, she is reserved, feelling he is responsible for herfathers death.The saloon owner has secretly been giving financial aid to the family.When they learn of it, his motive is misunderstood and their paper brings scorching comments about his saloon. Finally, the fathers real murderer is caught and all the misunderstanding is resolved.
THE DANISH PRINCESS
Born on 16 April 1940, only a few days after the HITLER army had occupied Denmark, Her Royal Highness Princess Margrethe started her life as the symbol of light and hope for Danish people. When her parents, then Crown-prince Frederik and Crownprincess Ingrid, took the Royal baby on strolls in the streets of Copenhagen, Danes felt, that the new little Pricess was part of the big family. When her father became King of Denmark in 1947, few Danes realized that Pricess Margrethe on day wopuld be ruler of Demark, but through a change of Danish Constitution in 195l she became successor to the Danish throne. The Princess has studied history, law, political science and archeology at the universities in Copenhagen, Aarhus and in England. From her parents she has inherited and artistic talent, which manifests itself in drawing and ceramics.
NEW YUGOSLAV CONTIGENT ARRIVES
The first half of the new contigent which is to serve with UNEF in Gaza Strip arrived at Port Said at noon, November 8, on board the 'SS Yugoslavia". The contingent included 31 officers and 315other ranksl. At Port Said they were met by Col Djuro Brebrina, Commander Yugoslav Bn, Col Branko Jerkic, Yugo Liaison Officer, and other Officers, who were there also to say goodbye to the outgoing men. The outgoing men of 12th Yugoslav Bn, whmo had started from El Arish, on the morning of November 8, arrived at Port Said at 11:00hrs. The Commanding Officer, Col Djuro Brebrina, inspected both the incoming and outgoing units and later addressed them. The second half of the new contingent is scheduled to arrive in Gaza Strip early next month. The ship carrying the troops back to Yugoslavia, who had served their term of six months in SINAI DESERT will be leaving Port Said to-night.
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THE SAND DUNE is published on Fridays at the office of Public Information, villa l3, Gaza.
Editorial Staff: RK Kachru
(Editor) Gtujo Zivkcvic.
Public Information Officer: O Dich