Uzbekistan, Tashkent, July 17 / Trend D. Azizov /
The U.S. government has handed over two Mitsubishi L200 off-road vehicles to the Uzbek Institute of Nuclear Physics, the U.S. Embassy said on Monday.
The cars were handed over within the Export Control and related Border Security Assistance (EXBS) programme to ensure a high degree of mobility for the technical group of the Institute of Nuclear Physics, which is engaged in the maintenance of radiation portal monitors installed at 33 border crossings in Uzbekistan.
New cars will replace those previously delivered to the institution by the U.S. Department of Defence. U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan George Krol attended the handover ceremony.
He appreciated the activity of the institute and said that the U.S. and Uzbekistan are partners in the fight against transnational threats such as international terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
"The problem with proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and transportation of prohibited materials is a problem of not only our two countries, but the whole world, Krol said. "The work conducted by the Institute of Nuclear Physics is important for making the world safer."
The EXBS programme carried out by the U.S. State Department is aimed at preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. This programme in Uzbekistan includes such diverse activities as promoting non-proliferation by implementing export control measures, conducting technical workshops on licensing and to deliver equipment and train law enforcement agencies involved in border security.
According to the U.S., the Uzbek government received the equipment and training valued at more than $20 million, including communications equipment, surveillance and detection equipment and vehicles in April 2000.