DUSHANBE, March 13, 2009, Asia-Plus — Minister of Interiors, Lieutenant-General Abdurahim Qahhorov, yesterday met visiting OSCE delegation led by Senior Police Adviser Kevin Carty, according to the Ministry of Interior (MoI).
The sides discussed cooperation between a MoI and the OSCE Strategic Police Matter Unit as well as the OSCE assistance on police reform. They also considered further implementation of the program to destroy seized small arms and light weapons (SALW), development of the police canine unit and cooperation on counternarcotics training for the Afghan police.
According to press release issued by the OSCE office in Tajikistan, the Strategic Police Matters Unit, in cooperation with the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, the Interior Ministry and the Drug Control Agency, will implement two training projects, to be funded by the Japanese government, with the Afghan National Police this year.
Kevin Carty, who also presented a needs assessment report drafted by the OSCE following an expert mission to the country, said he was encouraged to hear the Interior Minister”s interest in continuing work with the OSCE to combat organized crime in the region and foster development of democratic policing. “We are pleased to support the Interior Ministry in its progressive and steady work towards reforms, further efficiency and openness as it strives for excellence in the service delivered to its citizens,” said Carty.
Klaus Rasmussen, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, said that cooperation between the OSCE Office in Tajikistan and the Tajik government provided a strong foundation for police reform activities, according to press release. “The OSCE Office in Tajikistan is ready to respond to the needs of the Interior Ministry, to support law enforcement agencies in taking a more strategic approach to combating crime and drug trafficking in Tajikistan and providing security to all citizens,” he said.
