Preventing terrorist use of explosives and chemicals discussed at OSCE meeting in Sarajevo

The OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, held on 5 June 2013 a roundtable meeting in Sarajevo on the implementation of preventive aspects of the International Terrorist Bombings Convention.

The purpose of the event was to facilitate expert discussions and generate new initiatives on controlling explosives and legal precursors such as fertilizers to help prevent them being used by terrorists.

“Co-ordination and co-operation between governmental and non-governmental institutions and agencies, as well as the private sector, is essential for ensuring security and reducing the threat of terrorism,” said Nina Suomalainen, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Our aim is to prevent the illicit movement of explosives and chemical materials and to promote dialogue and co-operation on counter-terrorism issues, in particular through public-private partnerships. The engagement of the business community and the industry is of particular importance for achieving this goal.” 

Today’s meeting was attended by BiH experts from departments responsible for the control of explosive material and precursors, representatives of the Security Services, Ministries of the Interior, Justice, Customs, Agriculture, Industry, Defence, as well as from explosive-related business, retailers and consumer associations.

Representatives of international organizations, including United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, also took part in the event.