OSCE Osh Field Office provides technical support to Ministry of Emergency Situations

OSH, Kyrgyzstan, 9 July 2007 - The OSCE Osh Field Office handed over communication and radio reaction tools and other equipment to the South Regional Department of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) today. The equipment, is part of the overall technical support that the MES is providing in the south of Kyrgyzstan to enable a more effective response to natural disasters.

"The OSCE believes that providing communication support is key to maximizing chances of saving lives. We are confident that this project will contribute to a more efficient response to natural disasters in the south of Kyrgyzstan", said Jerome Bouyjou, Head of the OSCE Field Office in Osh.

"We welcome the OSCE's support in strengthening our capacities to address the consequences of natural disasters," said Ashyraly Borboev, Head of the Ministry's Department for the Protection of Population and Territories. "We also support the OSCE approach to preparing the population for natural disasters, which are so frequent in the south."

In addition to technical support, the OSCE project is helping the Ministry to improve governance and co-ordination, and develop its regional development strategy, and in-depth scientific assessment and mapping. The OSCE project also helps build communities' capacity to prevent, prepare for, and respond to natural disasters. Kyrgyz officials are closely engaged in the implementation of the project.