Czech Republic supports CTBTO
Preparatory Commission's information
and training activities

In cooperation with the Czech Republic, the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) organized an information visit and hands-on training programme for representatives of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The project was financed with funds from a voluntary contribution to the Preparatory Commission for the CTBTO by Czech Republic in the amount of 450,000 CZK (15,000 Euro). This contribution was specifically dedicated to promote information and training activities of the Preparatory Commission in Southeast Europe and Central Asia. The aim of the project is to enhance the understanding of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), in particular the functioning of national data centres and International Monitoring System stations. The training for the three experts from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan took place from 14 to 17 June 2005 in Vienna, Austria, and in Brno, Czech Republic. In a meeting on 15 June 2005 with the Special Assistant of the Executive Secretary of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission, Mr. Farhad Shahabi, the three representatives of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan welcomed the voluntary donation by the Czech Republic. They noted with appreciation the progress made in the build-up of the CTBT verification system, aimed at detecting any nuclear weapon test explosion around the globe, and the possible provision of data for a disaster alert system. The three representatives of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan reiterated their countries commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and stressed their view of the CTBT as an important instrument to promote international peace and security. The Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic to the Preparatory Commission for the CTBTO, Mr. Pavel Klucky, was also present at the meeting. On 16 and 17 June, the three representatives of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan visited the National Data Centre of Czech Republic in Brno and the auxiliary seismic station AS 26 in Vranov. During their visit, they got acquainted with the activities and responsibilities of a national data centre and the installation, operation and maintenance of an auxiliary seismic station. The funds from the Czech voluntary contribution were used for a similar information visit and training programme for expert representatives of Southeast European countries in May 2005.

For further information on the CTBTO, please see www.ctbto.org or contact:
Annika Thunborg, Chief, Public Information  
T    +43 1 26030-6375  
E    annika.thunborg@ctbto.org
M    +43 699 1459 6375       
I    www.ctbto.org