OSCE Centre holds checkpoint and x-ray image interpretation course for airport officials in Turkmenistan

ASHGABAD, 16 October 2008 - A three-day OSCE-sponsored training course for airport officials on checkpoint and x-ray interpretation to improve airport security ended in Ashgabad today.

Ten participants from Ashgabad airport, as well as four regional airports, took part in the course, which focused on learning to interpret x-rays to find prohibited items, such as firearms, explosives and drugs.

"The Centre is pleased to contribute to Turkmenistan's efforts to improve airport and air transport security. We especially welcome the use of local trainer capacity to improve the professional development of airport security officials," said Ibrahim Djikic, Head of the OSCE Centre.

The course, held at the Ashgabad Customs Training Centre, built on the experience of similar training courses conducted in Turkmenistan between 2006 and 2008. It was delivered by a local trainer who took part in an OSCE-sponsored "train the trainer" x-ray course in May.

The Centre plans to support further training in this field in the coming months as part of its security co-operation programme with Turkmenistan.