OSCE supports Kyrgyz Emergency Ministry to set up regional training centre in Osh

OSH, Kyrgyzstan, 8 September 2009 - A regional training centre for Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Emergency Situations (MoES) was opened in Osh today with the support of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

The Centre is designed to train state officials, local governments, specialists from government ministries and agencies, rescue groups from the MoES and self-help groups established by international projects. The MoES provided funds to reconstruct the building and a non-governmental organization, ACTED, financed the creation of an 'obstacle course' training ground, while the OSCE Centre provided furniture and equipment.

"It is important that such a training centre exists in southern Kyrgyzstan, an area often affected by different types of natural disasters. The new centre will ensure that training for key emergency personnel and local communities will be regular, timely and sustainable," said Hugo Karlsson, the Head of the OSCE Centre's Field Office in Osh.

"The OSCE will continue supporting the centre to help train MoES staff and community groups to better react to natural disasters by providing books and printed materials in Kyrgyz language and helping create training modules", he added.

"We created professional conditions for the trainees from all southern districts and provinces, including modern equipment, accommodation and catering. This training centre will provide all stakeholders with regular practical training that will further help them to organize efficient rescue operations during and after emergency situations. We hope for further co-operation with all international organizations to mitigate emergencies and protect the population," said Kamchybek Tashiev, the Kyrgyz Minister of Emergency Situations.

Support for the training centre is part of the OSCE Centre's work to support activities in the environment and security area.