OSCE event in Turkmenistan discusses strategic trade controls and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

ASHGABAT, 29 September 2015 – Strategic trade controls and national action plans to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) were discussed at a two-day OSCE-supported workshop that concluded today in Ashgabat.

Organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat in close co-operation with the Conflict Prevention Centre of the OSCE, the workshop brought together 20 participants, including officials from the Ministries of Defence, National Security, Internal Affairs, as well as from the State Border and Customs Services and the State Service to protect the Security of a Healthy Society of Turkmenistan.

Led by OSCE and UN experts, the workshop focused on effective practices in countering the proliferation of WMD. A simulation exercise offered participants the opportunity to design an action plan of a fictional country to implement Resolution 1540 and counter illicit trafficking in WMD.

“Recognizing the need to enhance national, regional and international efforts to respond to the challenge posed by the proliferation and possible use of WMD by non-state actors, States are undertaking various measures to counter these threats,” said Richard Wheeler, Political Officer of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

Adriana Volenikova, Associate Project Officer at the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre, added: “Adoption of efficient national action plans, incorporating legislative, operational and capacity building measures, is essential for preventing trade in WMD, and we expect this workshop to contribute to the exchange of best practices in ensuring strategic trade control and implementing Resolution 1540.”

The workshop placed special emphasis on strengthening national procedural measures to address national security risks that stem from the proliferation of WMD, promoting inter-agency co-ordination and enhancing strategic alliances with key sectors, including government, industry, academy, parliament and civil society.