OSCE demilitarization training course on Advanced Explosive Ordnance Disposal Level 3+ in Kazakhstan

A KAZTEC specialist at Aris Explosive Ordnance Demilitarization Facility engages in the dismantling of an artillery shell during a practical demonstration in August 2015. Participants for this year’s event will again visit the Aris facility for part the practical section of the course. Aris/Shymkent, Kazakhstan, 28 August 2015 (KAZTEC)

ALMATY, Kazakhstan, 20-Oct-2016 — /EuropaWire/ — A nine-day OSCE regional demilitarization manager’s training course for 30 military and civilian experts focusing on Advanced Explosive Ordnance Disposal Level 3+ began today in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will enhance their managerial skills in adherence with specific requirements of international guidelines and best practices for the safe, effective as well as efficient demilitarization of conventional ammunition and explosives. Experts from Slovenia and the United Kingdom will share their experience and best practices in this field.

The theoretical part of the course organized at Kazakhstan’s Partnership for Peace Training Centre (KAZCENT) in Almaty, while the practical exercises will be carried out in Aris at the demilitarization facilities of joint-stock company KAZTEC.

“Such events are becoming ever more important to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Defence, as they fully fall in line with our priorities,” said Amangeldy Aubakirov, Head of the Arms Reduction Control and Inspection Activities Support Centre at Kazakhstan’s Defence Ministry. “Within the framework of this course, we will discuss important topics in the area of explosive ordnance disposal and will jointly contribute to the development and co-operation”.

Colin McCullough, Political Officer at the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, said: “The field of explosive ordnance disposal requires constant review and updating of all informative resources. Moreover, all countries can benefit from the experience of other countries in promoting safety in relevant procedures and practices.”

Luka Buhin, Programme Officer at the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, said: “Such courses facilitate common training approaches in Central Asia in accordance with United Nations international ammunition technical guidelines and international best practices developed by OSCE.”

The event is organized by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Defence together with the OSCE Programme Office in Astana and the OSCE Office in Tajikistan. It was financed with support from the US State Department’s Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement.

The seminar is part of the OSCE’s long-term support in developing a co-operative mechanism among states in Central Asia to address concerns and challenges stemming from the disposal of explosive hazards.

Contacts
Colin McCullough
Political Officer
OSCE Programme Office in Astana
10 Beibitshilik Street
010000 Astana
Kazakhstan
Mobile: +7 701 727 97 66
Office: +7 7172 580070
Fax: +7 7172 328304

SOURCE: OSCE