Regional Training on Technical Aspects of the CWC Transfers Regime Held in Croatia for Customs Authorities

The OPCW and National Authority of the Republic of Croatia organised a Regional Training Course for Customs Authorities on the Technical Aspects of the Transfers Regime of the Chemical Weapons Convention in Zagreb from 27 to 31 August 2012. The course was attended by 25 participants representing 18 States Parties in the Eastern Europe region.*

The course was opened by Dr. Vesna Batistić Kos, Head of the Croatian National Authority and Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She stated that proper implementation of the CWC transfers regime is a key obligation under the Convention and ensures the fullest possible exchange of chemicals for peaceful purposes. She further stated that the Republic of Croatia has always displayed utmost responsibility in fulfilling its obligations under international treaties and remains fully committed to the implementation of the CWC. She also highlighted Croatia’s role in having hosted numerous training courses organized by the OPCW.

The regional training course covered a variety of different aspects of the Transfers Regime. Practical exercises and round table discussions created the necessary balance between theoretical and practical aspects of the course. The last two days were dedicated to a new module for the training of trainers (ToT), which enhances the skills of participants to act as trainers upon returning to their respective workplaces, hence transferring to others the knowledge gained during the course.  

The regional training course provided a valuable opportunity for the participating customs authorities to share information about their efforts in implementing the provisions of the transfers regime.

* Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Ukraine