CENTRAL ASIA 4.11 Centre in Ashgabat Background The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat was established in 1999. In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding, the Centre assists the host country in implementing OSCE principles and commitments as well as in promoting the host country’s co-operation with the OSCE in all spheres. As part of its police-related activities, the Centre focuses on building the capacity of law enforcement bodies to counter terrorism, organized crime and illicit trafficking in narcotics, to enhance road safety and cyber security, as well as to strengthen the criminal justice system and to combat human trafficking. Police Reform From 19-23 May, the Centre organized a study visit on traffic safety to Ankara and Eskisehir, Turkey for three officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The delegation visited the Directorate of Traffic Services of the Turkish National Police, the Advanced and Defensive Driving Training Centre, Vehicle Inspection Company and the City Security Management Centre in Ankara, as well as the Traffic Police Training Centre in Eskisehir. Illicit Drugs On 23 January, the Centre attended a semi-annual meeting of the Mini Dublin Group for Turkmenistan. This meeting was organized by the Italian Embassy in Ashgabat. The Centre shared information about its counter-narcotics activities. The Dublin Group is an informal consultation and co-ordination mechanism for global, regional and country-specific problems of illicit drug production, trafficking and demand. It is based on consensus and mutual assistance. Participants are the EU Member States, Canada, Norway, the US, Australia, Japan, EC and UNODC. From 21-25 April, the Centre organized a one-week training course on counter-narcotics controlled delivery simulation in Ashgabat. Law enforcement professionals from Bulgaria and Romania delivered lectures to 20 Turkmen officials from relevant security and law enforcement agencies. A counter-narcotics official representing the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation also participated. Counter-Terrorism From 26-30 May, the Centre organized a one-week training course in Ashgabat on counterterrorism tactical negotiations. Law enforcement professionals from Turkey delivered lectures to 25 Turkmen officials from relevant security and law enforcement agencies. The course addressed topics such as different phases and principles of negotiations, pre-incident planning and crisis management. The Centre supported the participation of three officials from the Ministry of Defence in a Regional Training on Explosive Ordnance Disposal in Dushanbe, Tajikistan from 26 May to 6 June. The training was organized by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, in co-operation with the US Embassy in Tajikistan and US Army Central Command. 130