Rescuers from Belarus, Latvia and Lithuania gained invaluable experience during joint exercises - E. Bariev

June 24, Miory District / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. Belarusian, Latvian and Lithuanian rescuers gained invaluable experience during joint exercises, which will be adopted by the units of these countries, Minister of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus Enver Bariev stated to journalists today upon completion of the operational and tactical exercises, according to a BELTA correspondent. As the minister noted, the tasks set during the exercises were innovative and allowed for the practice of all stages of emergency situations: from informing about an incident to the simplified crossing of the border by rescuers from neighboring states. "The tasks set during the exercises have been completed," the minister emphasized. Representatives of the fire and rescue services of Latvia and Lithuania also gave a high assessment of the exercises. Regional operational and tactical exercises of rescuers from Belarus, Latvia, and Lithuania were held in the Polotsk and Miory districts on June 23-24. They were part of the international project "Strengthening Regional Capacity for Prevention and Response to Chemical Accidents with Transboundary Consequences in the Belarus-Latvia-Lithuania Region," designed for 2008-2009. More than 200 employees of emergency rescue and emergency repair services, 80 units of equipment, including 4 helicopters and 2 aircraft of the Ministry of Emergency Situations units, participated in the exercises. The project "Strengthening Regional Capacity for Prevention and Response to Chemical Accidents with Transboundary Consequences in the Belarus-Latvia-Lithuania Region" is partially funded by the European Commission under the Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument. A grant of 1 million euros has been allocated for its implementation. Almost all of these funds will be used to equip Belarusian rescue units. The publication of brochures and the creation of stands to inform the public about actions in case of chemical accidents are also planned. -0-