OSCE highlights best practices in counter-terrorism negotiations in Turkmenistan

ASHGABAT, 29 May 2014 – Twenty-five officials from Turkmenistan’s law-enforcement bodies and security agencies discussed best practices in counter-terrorism negotiations at an OSCE-organized course that will conclude in Ashgabat tomorrow.

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized the five-day practical training course to assist the government of Turkmenistan in enhancing the capacity of relevant bodies to conduct counter-terrorism negotiations.

The course addressed topics such as different phases and principles of negotiations, pre-incident planning and crisis management.

“Ensuring security for its citizens is a primary responsibility of any government. While developing its counter-terrorism strategies, governments should bear in mind the importance of tactical negotiations, especially at the early stages of crisis situations,” said Richard Wheeler, Political Officer at the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“We expect this course to equip representatives of relevant bodies with the effective strategies of conducting negotiations which will ultimately contribute to the efforts of the host government to counter terrorism.”

Two experts from Turkey shared their practical experiences in conducting hostage and crisis negotiations and stressed the importance of communication skills and the ability to understand body language in counter-terrorism negotiations. By examining case studies and taking part in practical exercises, participants discussed the various definitions of terrorism currently used by different countries, and also practiced negotiation skills.

The course was attended by representatives of the ministries of Internal Affairs, National Security and Defence, the Aviation Security Service of Turkmenistan Airlines, the General Prosecutor’s Office, the State Service of Turkmenistan to Protect the Security of a Healthy Society, as well as the State Migration, Border and Customs Services of Turkmenistan.