Vakhtang Gomelauri, Head of the State Security Service of Georgia Opened World Congress on CBRNe Science and Consequence Management. US Ambassador to Georgia Ian Kelly, Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia Giorgi Mghebrishvili, Minister of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia David Sergeenko, Deputy Head of the State Security Service of Georgia Levan Izoria, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Gigi Gigiadze, Deputy Minister of Defence Davit Ebralidze, Deputy Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Protection of Georgia Maia Bitadze, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Georgia Davit Galegashvili and Director of J3/7 US Defense Threat Reduction Agency Gary Blore addressed the audience.
During his speech, Vakhtang Gomelauri highlighted the current situation existing in the region in terms of CBRN threats and the challenges that Georgia faces. According to Gomelauri, as a result of the current situation assessment, the Government elaborated strategic, sustainable plan in terms of applying strict security measures.
As Vakhtang Gomelauri stated: “Every object or place that may contain risk or threat, is under the Governmental control and monitoring. The Government of Georgia fully realizes that due to transit function and adjacency with conflict zones, the country faces the risk of illicit smuggling of, as well as becoming a transit territory for the above-mentioned material. Moreover, existence of occupied territories creates a further profitable environment in this regard, where it is still impossible to establish international security mechanisms which would have a huge importance and significance. On the background of military operations being carrying out in Syria and Iraq, intelligence and security services of our partner countries often address the Chemical, Biological, Nuclear terrorism possibility being used by Islamist terrorists. In order to respond to these challenges, national as well as international efforts are necessary for preventing and detecting relevant threats, for readiness and response thereto.”
Furthermore, according to Vakhtang Gomelauri, Georgia has made significant steps in the CBRN security field and achieved impressive success. The Government has elaborated a unified approach. An Interagency Coordination Council has been established under the leadership of the State Security Service of Georgia. A relevant national strategy and action plan have been elaborated with the support of the US and European partners. As Vakhtang Gomelauri stated, one of the main conditions for achieving the progress, is exactly the mentioned institutional mechanism, priorities listed in the action plan, improved interagency coordination and international cooperation. According to V. Gomelauri, at the Nuclear Security Summit held in Washington, Georgia has highlighted its support towards strengthening the nuclear security architecture.
Vakhtang Gomelauri expressed gratitude towards partner countries and organizations for their important contributions to developing the capacities of relevant Georgian authorities.
Ian Kelly, the US Ambassador to Georgia thanked the organizers of the Conference and the Government of Georgia for their hard work and dedication, as well as for organizing this important event for the second time in a three-years’ period. According to the Ambassador, it is very important that Georgia shows leadership in detecting the CBRN threats in the region and in developing of strategies.
“CBRN planning and preparedness is an area of increased urgency for the international community. Responding to a major CBRN incident cooperation and coordination art all levels to ensure the safety of the public. To effectively prepare for and respond the threats we must all work together. The US support 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 to for the leaders of the scientific, technical, medical and policy fields of CBRN. To exchange ideas and researches into developing strategies to protect our people against CBRN threats”.
The Congress takes place from 30th May to 2nd June, 2016 in the Radisson Hotel. Georgia hosted this event on 1-5 June, 2014 for the first time. It should be noted, that over almost two decades the Congress was held in Croatia and Switzerland. The decision of holding the Congress in Tbilisi is linked to Georgia’s progress achieved in the CBRN field. The event is hosted by the State Security Service of Georgia with the support of the US Government.
The Congress brought together high rank officials from 30 countries and international organizations, CBRN experts and scientists. Biological and radiological security, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the materials, biological security and protection, aspects of chemical security, etc. are being discussed during the Congress sessions. In the scope of the Congress demonstrative field drill against illicit traffic of radioactive materials will be held.
