Regional Assistance and Cooperation Field Exercise in Azerbaijan

Baku, Azerbaijan, 12–16 May 2008

From 12 to 16 May 2008, a regional assistance and cooperation field exercise emphasising a coordinated response to a chemical attack was conducted in Baku, Azerbaijan as part of a Central Asian countries project that commenced in 2004. The exercise involved 12 participants from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan and 16 specialists from the host country, who engaged in practical emergency response training in case of use of chemical weapons or a "toxic chemical" emergency.

The programme included presentations on the CWC followed by a series of table top exercises to ensure that participants gained a wider understanding of the emergency response system to deal with the threat or use of chemical weapons. OPCW transported equipment to Baku which together with local equipment was utilised for the training in responses to toxic chemical scenarios, and involved the use of scheduled chemicals.

The exercise demonstrated international cooperation among different national teams with varied emergency procedures. It demonstrated the coordination among them to counter the danger of toxic chemicals, as well as to share information on emergency responses and planning and preparation for effective and efficient action in the event of a chemical attack. The event was observed by high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Categories: Asia, Assistance and Protection