The successful implementation of Council Decision 2010/179/CFSP with a two-pronged approach of (1) improving the security of storage locations in three countries[1] and (2) building the capacity of the personnel tasked with managing stockpiles[2], significantly increased security provisions and reduced the risk of the unwanted proliferation of stockpiles of SALW and their ammunition.
Building on this achievement, the second phase of the project continued to improve the security of weapons and ammunition storages in South East Europe by providing further specific technical and infrastructural assistance in line with international best practices and standards.
SECURITY UPGRADES AT SALW AND AMMUNITION STORAGE SITES
The project reduced the threat of the spread and illicit trafficking of SALW and their ammunition by improving security provisions and stockpile management for the storage of conventional weapons and ammunition stockpiles in BiH, Kosovo*, the Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Security at eleven (11) storage sites was upgraded, selected based on the assessment of risks, needs and priorities.
Building on SEESAC’s previous work, the project further increased the security storage sites through measurable security-oriented infrastructure upgrades in line with international standards and best practices.
Specifically, technical and infrastructure assistance was provided at a total of eleven (11) storage sites around the region, namely:
- Albania: Security upgrade of the Albanian Armed Forces permanent armament and ammunition storage in Qafe Molle included: building of a new perimeter fence in accordance with international security standards, installing of a new entrance gate, installation of exterior/outdoor lighting and procurement and installation of a full perimeter video surveillance of high technology (security cameras).
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Security upgrades at 4 ammunition and conventional weapons storage sites of the Ministry of Defence, including the installation and/or refurbishment of existing fencing and lighting, intruder alarm systems, close circuit television cameras (CCTV), and telecommunications equipment. The works built on and complemented the stockpile safety improvements made under UNDP EXPLODE and OSCE SECUP projects. Activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina were initiated and planned in close coordination with other relevant international actors (EUFOR, UNDP Bosnia and Herzegovina (EXPLODE), OSCE in Bosnia and Herzegovina and NATO);
- Kosovo*: security upgrade of the central Ministry of Interior central SALW storage through infrastructure works, including installation of secure doors, weapons racks and refurbishment of containers;
- Montenegro: Physical improvements to the Brezovik ammunition site including overall improvements of storage security infrastructure;
- Moldova: Security upgrades at one storage location;
- Serbia: The security upgrade works for the MoI SALW and ammunition storage location in Platičevo, included: replacement of up to two storage entrance doors with new metal double winged doors with locks, upgrade of the electrical installation including the exterior lighting, installation of video surveillance and access control system including equipping the monitoring room, which was identified as immediate need. Additional funding for this location was provided by the United States Department of State, complementing the works executed under the Council Decision.
- The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: Security upgrade of the Ministry of Interior central storage site (Orman) and the Armed Forces central storage site (Erebino), through procurement of security equipment and implementation of infrastructure upgrades including the refurbishment of the perimeter fence; CCTV equipment and lighting; installation of new entrance gates, and refurbishment of magazine security doors;
STOCKPILE MANAGEMENT TRAINING
SEESAC works to boost the capacities of staff engaged in managing SALW stockpiles. Three (3) targeted regional, and seven (7) national stockpile management training sessions were held. Sixty five (65) MoD, AF personnel, and police officers attended regional training sessions, while one hundred and twelve (112) attended tailor-made courses at the national level. Relevant personnel from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia were invited to participate in the regional activities.
Activities under the EUSAC 2013 - 2016 project were a continuation of previous activities during which SEESAC assisted SEE governments in implementing their legal and political commitments in the area of SALW Storage Security Upgrades and Management Capacity Building. An overview of these efforts is available here.
*References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).
[1] In Croatia, the security of the Ministry of Interior’s Central Weapons Storage ‘MURAT’ was improved through the installation of video surveillance; in Bosnia and Herzegovina 41 security doors were installed and security at four (4) SALW and ammunition storage locations of the Ministry of Defence was bolstered; security at Montenegro’s Ministry of Defence ammunition depot ‘TARAS’ was upgraded to international security standards.
[2] A Stockpile Management Course was developed and a total of 58 operation level officials from the Ministries of Defence, the Armed Forces and Ministries of Interior of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia were trained in stockpile management.