A group of experts will arrived in Baku on October 24 in order to start implementation of this project. The OSCE experts will identify a suitable way to carry out the renovation of the sites and the technical and financial requirements.

During the visit, the specialists will make an inventory of all chemical products stored in both sites, examine a state of facilities, do a preliminary analysis of the dispersion of pollutants in the soil and water, and calculate the cost and time-frame for the remediation of the sites.

Based on the results of this inspections and recommendations of the experts, OSCE will seek extra-budgetary contributions to implement the project. The project will be managed by the OSCE Secretariat in closeco-operation with the Office in Baku. The expert group is scheduled to leave Baku on October 28.

A separate project will be conducted in the future by NATO that will deal with elimination of the "melange" storeges.

[Ed. note] Melange is a rocket fuel oxidizer formerly used by Warsaw Pact countries, represents a serious threat to the environment and public health due to its chemical composition.

APA/EV