In a bid to Counter Radiological and Nuclear Threats

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Tuesday, February 23rd 2016 [ME NewsWire]

The Inter-Arab Nuclear Detection and Response Exercise commenced today, Tuesday in the capital Abu Dhabi under the title “The Falcon Exercise”. The exercise, held for the first time in the United Arab Emirates, is organized in cooperation with the European Union and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI).

The three-day exercise aims to encourage international approaches in terms of detection and response to nuclear and other radiological threats; to enhance local, regional and international cooperation and coordination between relevant agencies; and to encourage the exchange of information between the different international organizations and partners.

Lt. General Saif Abdullah Al Sha’far, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Interior, noted that the exercise is an opportunity to share the best practices in order to reinforce individual and collective capabilities in the effort to combat radiological and nuclear terrorism threats. He said: “This important event clearly reflects the United Arab Emirates’ commitment and its unrelenting efforts, in cooperation with the international community, to counter chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) risks, and enhance security and stability in the region.”

In his address to attendees, Lt. General Al Sha’far said that the UAE has adopted since its establishment, under the leadership of the founding father, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan  an open, peaceful and humanitarian approach, in dealing with the various issues that pose a threat to global security and peace. “Sheikh Saif has proven to be a worthy successor to the best predecessor, following in the path of the founding father in providing care and assistance for human beings, and supporting the efforts to counter all sorts of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) risks,” he said.

Lt. General Al Sha’far pointed out that the UAE has endeavored to issue the Federal Law No. (6) of 2009 on the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy i.e the Nuclear Law, which reflects the UAE’s policy and its commitment to the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy. He also highlighted the unwavering and relentless efforts exerted by the UAE leadership to maintain security and stability, and provide security and peace of mind to both citizens and residents. “This approach is based on the directives of the higher leadership, and falls in line with its vision and mission to serve security and world peace, not only in the UAE and the region but in the whole world,” noted Lt. General Al Sha’far.

Lt. General Al Sha’far emphasized that nuclear terrorism is one of the most serious threats to global security. “The fight against nuclear threat requires decisive action at the international level, and cooperation amongst world countries, due to its global political, economic, social and psychological consequences,” he said. Furthermore, he highlighted the considerable attention dedicated by the UAE to provide protection from the devastating biological, nuclear, chemical, and radiological impact of weapons of mass destruction. Adding further, he said: “It is not a secret that terrorist organizations seek to acquire weapons of mass destruction, which requires concerted efforts between world countries to prevent them from achieving their goals, and to establish effective cooperation with the relevant international bodies.”

The opening ceremony also featured speeches by officials, as well as regional and international specialists, including Sandy Smith, Director of the United Nations Institute for Crime and Justice (UNICRI); Jean-Bernard Bolvin, Deputy Head Mission of the European Union (EU) to the United Arab Emirates (UAE); HH Al-Sharif Nasser Bin Nasser, Head of the CoE Middle East Secretariat; and Lieutenant Ali Hassan Al Madfai, from the Emergency and Public Safety Department.

The first day included workshops, presentations and open discussions related to nuclear and radiological threats and ways to prevent them. Participants also defined the roles required from the concerned entities, as well as the nuclear simulation drill.

The opening ceremony was attended by Major General Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, Inspector General of the Ministry of Interior; Dr. Tariq Ahmed Al Hidan, Assistant Foreign Minister for International Cooperation for International Organization Affairs; H.E Ambassador Mahash Saeed Alhameli, Director of International Security Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Brigadier Eng. Hussein Ahmed Al Harithi, Director General of Central Operations at Abu Dhabi Police; along with heads of departments and a large number of officials from the federal ministries and local departments.

The opening ceremony was also attended by representatives from the European Union, the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), along with international organizations, and delegations from countries taking part in the joint exercise.

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

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The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-666-4891

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com

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