I wish to extend special thanks to Col. A.K. el Jundi, Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, and Dr. A. Tarabein, former Minister of Agriculture for their kindnesses and encouragement during my assignment.
For the great technical and financial support received and for the interest shown by Dr. T. Khalife, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, and to Mr. J. Mualla, former Secretary-General, as well as to Mr. F. Jabbour, Director, Animal Production Department, I wish to express my most sincere gratitude.
I am also indebted to Mr. N. el Miir, Director, Design Department of the Major Projects Administration for his help.
Also I wish to express thanks to my counterparts, Messrs K. Saleh, J. Yshdiid, M. Ebesh, A. el Boash and Mr. Abu Marei (Hassan) for their valuable assistance and lasting enthusiasm.
I also appreciated the collaboration with staff members of the Agriculture Chamber of Damascus, Mohafazat of Damascus, and those from the local Kattanah District, as well as with Col. Kassem Zeidouneh, Director of Ports and Lighthouses Administration, Ministry of Defence, Lattakia sub-office.
Acknowledgment is made of the keen interest shown by Dr. A.R. Sidky, FAO Assistant Director-General for Near Eastern Affairs and Regional Representative for the Near East, Cairo, Messrs C.C. Eidt, P.D. Diebold and C. Fritzle, at times FAO Country Representatives, and Dr. T.J. Job, FAO Regional Fisheries Officer.
Finally to all those who extended their aid to my work I extend my sincere appreciation and thanks.
