NNA - The Federal Foreign Office, in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Defense, has launched a training program for civilian inspectors from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), who are to be part of the UN mission overseeing the elimination of Syria's chemical weapons stockpiles, a press release by the German Embassy indicated Wednesday.


Twenty five civilian OPCW experts have arrived at the UN training centre in Hammelburg (Lower Franconia) for the 5-day training program.

In a statement by German Foreign Minister Westerwelle, he indicated that his country emphatically supports the work being done in Syria by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. "Without the expertise and courageous engagement of OPCW experts on the ground, it would be impossible to destroy the Assad Regime's highly dangerous chemical weapons," he noted; for which reason Germany wishes to pass on its expertise to the OPCW inspectors in preparation for the difficult task awaiting them in Syria, he added.


Westerwelle indicated that the program has been organized in response to a request from OPCW, and is designed to prepare the UN mission's civilian inspectors for their work under conflict conditions.


"Bundeswehr security experts will provide participants with practical instructions on how to act in situations which might arise in a dangerous environment," noted Westerwelle. He added that the Federal Foreign Office is funding the program from its disarmament budget, whereby 2 million euros in emergency funding have been allocated to help finance OPCW's tasks in Syria.


"Additionally, the Federal Government has provided significant logistical support for the UN and OPCW mission in Syria, by making available specially equipped planes for said mission," noted Westerwelle.


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