CBRN Science and Consequence Management Congress Opens in Tbilisi
Head of State Security Service of Georgia, Vakhtang Gomelauri, opened the CBRN Science and Consequence Management World Congress which included US Ambassador to Georgia Ian C. Kelly; Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia, Giorgi Mghebrishvili; Minister of Health and Social Care of Georgia, David Sergeenko, Deputy Head of SSG, Levan Izoria; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Gigi Gigiadze; Deputy Defense Minister, Maia Bitadze; Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Georgia, Davit Gelashvili; and director of US Defense Threat Reduction Agency, J3/7, Gary Blore.
During his speech, Gomelauri highlighted the current situation existing in the region in terms of CBRN threats and spoke on those challenges that Georgia faces. According to Gomelauri, as a result of assessments of the current situation, the Government has elaborated a strategic, systematic plan in terms of applying strict security measures.
Every object or place that is thought to contain a risk or threat is under government control and monitoring, Gomelauri says. The Government of Georgia fully realizes that, due to transit function and neighboring conflict zones, the country faces the risk of illegal smuggling and the risk of becoming a transit country.
The factor of occupied territories makes it almost impossible to create international security mechanisms, something which is of urgent importance. As war continues between Syria and Iraq, intelligence and security structures of the partner countries to Georgia often speak of the possibility that Islamists will use CBRN terrorism means. In order to respond to these challenges, national as well as international commitment is in place to prevent and detect those threats.
According to Gomelauri, Georgia has made effective steps in the CBRN field and achieved important success, having elaborated a unique approach. An interagency coordination board has been established under the chairmanship of the State Security Service of Georgia. The relevant strategy and action plan has been elaborated with the support of the US and European partners. As Gomelauri noted, one of the main reasons for the progress is the institutional mechanism, priorities listed in the action plan, improved interagency coordination and international cooperation. Furthermore, during the Nuclear Summit held in Washington, Georgia highlighted its support towards strengthening security architecture.
Gomelauri expressed gratitude to Georgia’s partner countries and thanked them for their contribution to addressing opportunities for development in various agencies of Georgia.
The US Ambassador to Georgia, Ian C. Kelly, thanked the conference organizers and Government of Georgia for their hard work and dedication, as well as for organizing the event for the second time in three years. According to the Ambassador, it is very important that Georgia is a leader in detecting CBRN threats and in strategy development.
“CBRN planning and preparedness is an area of increased urgency for the international community. Responding to a major CBRN incident requires cooperation and coordination at all levels to ensure the safety of the public. To effectively prepare for and respond the threats we must all work together,” the Ambassador said. “The US supports a global approach to these challenges. At the US Embassy here in Tbilisi we have many Agencies coordinating efforts on this front, including departments of State, Defense and Justice, among others. It’s a top priority for our mission to collaborate with our Georgian and international partners to build effective response plans. This event presents a unique opportunity for the leaders of the scientific, technical, medical and policy fields of the CBRN to exchange ideas and research into developing strategies to protect our people against CBRN threats”.
The CBRN Science and Consequence Management World Congress took place from 30th May to 2nd June, 2016 and was hosted by Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel. Georgia hosted the Congress for the first time on 1-5 June, 2014. It should be noted that during almost two decades it was held in Croatia and Switzerland. Georgia’s progress achieved in the CBRN field contributed to the decision to become a congress host country. The event was led by the State Security Service of Georgia with the support of Government of the USA.
The Congress brought together high ranking officials from 30 countries and international organizations, CBRN experts and scientists. Biological and radiological security, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and such materials, biological security and protection, and aspects of chemical security are to be discussed during the Congress sessions. In the scope of the Congress, demonstrative field drills against illegal circulation of radioactive materials will be held.
Victoria Klimicheva