OSCE helps Kyrgyzstan dispose of excess stockpiles of small arms and light weapons

BISHKEK, 14 November 2013 - Kyrgyz government officials, representatives of diplomatic corps, and journalists attended an observation exercise held today at a military polygon Ala-Too near Bishkek. The exercise was part of an OSCE-supported project strengthening Kyrgyzstan’ capabilities in managing and controlling small arms, light weapons, and stockpiles of conventional ammunition (CA).

A controlled explosion of several pieces of man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS) and anti-tank guided missiles that experts of the OSCE and Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Defence considered surplus or unserviceable, was conducted during the observation exercise.

Over the course of the project, a total of 51 MANPADS and 97 anti-tank guided missiles were destroyed.  The project is also overseeing the construction of a new explosives storage facility, assisting the Kyrgyz government on a national regulatory framework for SALW and CA management, as well as training Defence Ministry personnel.

This pilot initiative aims at improving SALW, CA record keeping and ammunitions tracing, and as part of the project, automated inventory systems are being  installed at three designated storage sites across the country.

Veaceslav Bugai, Senior Politico-Military Officer of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, said: “The OSCE-supported project will strengthen the Kyrgyz Defence Ministry’s efforts to effectively manage and control the arms and ammunition stockpiles and contribute to the enhanced security in Central Asia.”