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October 24, 2005

Press Release

The U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency and the Estonian Ministry of Internal Affairs Launch Crisis Response Exercise “Estonia Gateway 2005”

On Thursday, October 27th, the crisis response exercise “Estonia Gateway 2005”, organized by the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency and Estonian Ministry of Internal Affairs, will commence.

The exercise will involve approximately 150 participants and will allow Estonia's national first responders to assess their readiness for an event involving weapons of mass destruction. The exercise will also allow Estonia to test its interagency cooperation and the operation of systems designed to protect the populace.

From October 27th until November 1st, specialists from the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency will present to Estonian participants a theoretical overview of the organization of cooperation between governmental authorities who would respond to a crisis involving weapons on mass destruction.

From November 1st until 3rd, there will be a field exercise at the Estonian Public Service academy and at Muuga port. The exercise's scenario foresees that activities will begin at Tallinn International Airport where a suspect is apprehended during a routine check. During the questioning, the officials receive information about a possible terrorist or criminal network in Estonia. Based on the information received, an anti-terrorism operation will be conducted. During a table top exercise on November 3rd, the Estonian government will summon the “Crisis Management Team” to evaluate the possible threat and to suggest solutions for the emergency situation.

The Estonian Security Police, the Border Guard, the regular police, the Rescue Board, the Public Service Academy, the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Radiation Protection Center, the Tax and Customs Board, and the Crisis Management Team will take part in the exercise.

“Estonian Gateway 2005” is part of the U.S. government's international counter-proliferation program. This exercise will integrate the training, skills, and equipment donations the United States has provided to Estonia since 2000.

INFORMATION FOR JOURNALISTS: On November 2nd, there will be a field exercise at the Public Service Academy, Kase Street 61, Tallinn.

TV crews, photographers, and journalists will have an opportunity to film, photograph, and observe the exercise.

Please register with Mairis Tuisk at tuiskm@state.gov or 668-8150 by close of business on Friday, October 28.

For further information on the Defense Threat Reduction Agency: http://www.dtra.mil

For additional information, please contact the Press Section of the U.S. Embassy at tuiskm@state.gov, 668-8150.