We hope that in the near future, Azerbaijan and the USA sign an inter-governmental agreement on mutual assistance with regards to the customs service, the Chairman of the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Azerbaijan, Aydin Aliyev, stated at Press Conference dedicated to the U.S. Embassy's presenting 2 automobiles and special equipment to the Azerbaijan SCC to combat contraband, Trend reports.
Aliyev stressed that the co-operation between the customs committees of Azerbaijan and USA began in1995. As a result of this co-operation, certain practice regarding export control was created and appropriate law was adopted in Azerbaijan. Aliyev said that at the beginning of 2001, USA held 17 training sessions for the employees of the customs service of Azerbaijan and the final training on fighting against contraband on the border was concluded yesterday, 5 December.
Answering question about the experiences of custom officials have had in preventing the transportation of the nuclear and biological weapons via the border, Aliyev replied that such cases took place. According to him, 4 years ago, it was discovered that special metals, which are used only for preparing ballistic missiles and atomic bombs, were transported to Iran via the border of Azerbaijan. They were brought from Russia and Georgia. Another case was the discovery of nearly 1 kg mercury on a Turkish citizen who was arrested and his case is nearing completion soon. Aliyev stated that after these discoveries, the number of such cases has decreased. In addition, he said that specialized equipment had been installed in checkpoint in Sinig Korpu initiated by MAGATE.
He added that in the near future, special equipment and helicopters will be brought to Azerbaijan for the customs service.
