OSCE Centre organizes training course in Germany for Turkmenistan arms control officers

ASHGABAD, 18 December 2007 - Six arms control officers from the Turkmenistan Defence Ministry completed a training course in Germany today on implementing the OSCE Vienna Document on Confidence and Security-Building Measures.

The two-week course was organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabad, the German Armed Forces and the Government of Turkmenistan.

"Confidence and security-building measures are the backbone of the OSCE. They were designed to strengthen security within the OSCE region and assist the Organization's 56 participating States in fulfilling their commitment to refrain from the threat or use of force in mutual relations," said Ambassador Ibrahim Djikic, the Head of the OSCE Centre.

"This course provided valuable hands-on training, allowed for the sharing of experience and cultural exchange, and strengthened co-operation between the States involved."

The training course included classes at the Verification Centre of the German Armed Forces in Geilenkirchen, where participants learnt about the principles and objectives of the 1999 Vienna Document, the verification and evaluation procedures and the information exchange between OSCE participating States. They also discussed the practical aspects of preparing and implementing inspections.

Participants had the opportunity to conduct a simulated inspection at a Verification Centre in Switzerland, and prepare a report.

The OSCE Centre organized a similar training course for Turkmenistan officers in Germany in 2005.