Kazakhstan is hosting practical
training for UN military observers. The pilot course is being held at the
Peacekeeping Operations Center of the Kazakh Ministry of Defense in the Almaty region.
Previously, domestic servicemen have been trained to participate in such
operations only abroad by foreign specialists. The course program was developed
by experienced instructors, who have solid peacekeeping experience abroad.
“Due to the urgency of sending
military observers on a mission, it became necessary to organize our own
courses. The courses were arranged in accordance with all UN training
requirements and documents. This is a pilot course, and we also plan to
officially certify it in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations next year,” said
Rustem Suleimenov, spokesperson for the Kazakh Ministry of Defense.
Military observers are trained in
operations such as capture, interrogation and hostage release. They must
maintain composure, act competently and promptly in crisis situations, and most
importantly, be emotionally stable. Not only soldiers from Kazakhstan but also
from other countries including in Central Asia will receive training at the Peacekeeping
Operations Center in Almaty if the course obtains certification. It bears noting
that Kazakh servicemen participated in UN missions in Nepal, Western Sahara,
Lebanon, the Central African Republic and the Republic of Mali.