Press Release (97)112 19 Sept. 1997

1997 CIVIL PRotection Committee Seminar and meeting with Cooperation Partners Noordwijk Aan Zee, The Netherlands, 24th - 26th September 1997 On 24th and 25th September, 1997, the NATO Civil Protection Committee (CPC) will conduct, in the context of the Partnership for Peace programme, a seminar on "Challenges to Public Order and Safety". The purpose of the seminar will be to exchange views and experiences in order to enhance insight in, and improve preparedness to ensure, public order and safety of the society. The Seminar will be held in Noordwijk aan Zee on the invitation of, and inclose cooperation with, the Crisis Management and Fire Service Department of the Netherlands Ministry of the Interior. In the context of pre-disaster planning, the Seminar will address the philosophy and basic elements of national plans and policies against hazards in general. In addition, it will focus on the vulnerability of the population to various chemical and nuclear risks and the means for warning and protection of the population inter alia through programmes of public information and education. An estimated 80 participants from 32 Cooperation Partner and NATO nations are expected to attend. Observers from three Mediterranean Dialogue countries (Israel, Jordan and Mauritania) will also be present. Participants will have the opportunity to visit the industrialized harbour area of Rotterdam to be informed about crisis management and prevention measures taken by industry. On 26th September immediately following the Seminar, the Civil Protection Committee, which is the focal point within the Alliance for all NATO and Partner Countries regarding pre-disaster planning and post-disaster analysis, will conduct its semi-annual meeting with the representatives of Cooperation Partner countries to discuss arrangements for the protection of the population, including civil-military cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. For further information, please contact Mr. M.A. Verhaar of the NATO Civil Emergency Planning Directorate (Tel: +32.2.707.41.43).