OSCE project will help Azerbaijan upgrade toxic missile fuel storage sites

VIENNA, 24 October 2005 - Providing technical and financial assistance for upgrading two outdated "melange" rocket fuel storage sites in Azerbaijan is the aim of an OSCE project, which will begin with a visit of a group of experts from 24 to 28 October.

They will identify a suitable way to carry out the renovation of the sites and the technical and financial needs required.

"Melange" is a highly unstable and toxic fuel component which poses a potential threat to human health and the environment.

After the collapse of the USSR, large stocks were left on the territory of the former republics. Many OSCE participating States are unable to solve this problem alone due to the lack of necessary technical, material and financial resources.

During the visit, the experts will make an inventory of all chemical products stored in both sites, examine the state of the facility, do a preliminary analysis of the dispersion of pollutants in the soil and water, and calculate the cost and time-frame for the remediation of the sites.

Based on the findings and recommendations of the experts, the OSCE will seek extra-budgetary contributions to implement the project.

The project will be managed by the OSCE Secretariat in close co-operation with the Office in Baku.

A separate project, to be conducted in the future by NATO, will deal with eliminating the "melange" stored in both sites.