OSCE experts assess Tajikistan's border security and management needs

VIENNA, 1 August 2006 - Experts from the OSCE's Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) today completed a visit to Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to assess how the Organization can assist Tajikistan in improving its border security and management.

The visit followed a request by the Tajik authorities for assistance under the OSCE Border Security and Management Concept, which was adopted in December 2005. During the 12-day visit, the experts assessed a range of border-related threats and challenges faced by Tajikistan, including those related to drug-trafficking.

"This unique concept promotes a high level of co-operation among OSCE's 56 participating States to improve border security, contributing to the fight against terrorism, smuggling and all forms of trafficking," said Jaroslaw Pietrusiewicz, head of the CPC Operations Unit, which lead the border assessment visit.

In Tajikistan, the OSCE experts met officials from all ministries and government departments involved in border security and management and representatives of the international and donor community. The team also conducted field assessments along Tajikistan's borders with Afghanistan, China and Kyrgyzstan.

In addition, the team visited Kyrgyzstan to explore ways in which the OSCE could facilitate cross-border co-operation between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Team members held meetings with Kyrgyz government officials as well as with international community representatives in Bishkek and Osh.

Following its return to Vienna, the team will compile its recommendations and make them available to OSCE participating States.