OSCE observes exercise to protect energy infrastructure from terrorist attack

ST. PETERSBURG, 24 September 2008 - The OSCE's Action against Terrorism Unit is observing a tactical training exercise aimed at neutralizing a simulated terrorist attack on a critical energy infrastructure, which started today at a facility near St. Petersburg.

Raphael Perl, head of the OSCE Action against Terrorism Unit, took part as an observer along with representatives of the G8 and other international organizations. The exercise, which ends tomorrow, was organized at Russian firm Lukoil's distribution and transhipment complex at the Vysotsk seaport, close to St. Petersburg and the Russian border to Finland.

"Energy is the glue that holds the world economies together. We all have an interest in the security of energy infrastructure. Terrorists know this, and increasingly terrorist groups seek to target the energy sector both in their rhetoric and by physical attacks," said Perl in his remarks at the start of the exercise.

"To be effective, security measures to protect energy infrastructures need to be tested and updated. And we need to exchange best practices between governments and the industry. The OSCE has been instrumental in facilitating counter-terrorism co-operation and in promoting public-private partnerships in combating terrorism, and we are happy to contribute here today," he added.