Statement of the 22nd Governing Board

The Governing Board of the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) held its 22nd meeting at the Presidential Residence in Tbilisi. Representatives from 10 ISTC Parties attended with the European Union, Japan, Russian Federation, United States of America, and the Republic of Armenia represented on the Governing Board.

The ISTC approved 81 new projects representing over $19 million in new funding for activities in Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakstan, and the Kyrgyz Republic. New funding was provided by the EU, USA, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. These projects highlight important areas of science and technology research and development: protective methods against anthrax; new techniques for nuclear test detection; nuclear reactor decommissioning in Kazakstan; bio-remediation of testing grounds; vortex flow investigations for flight safety; water-cutting technologies for submarine decommissioning.

The Board announced that 21 Partner projects totaling $4 million have been approved since the 21st meeting, and noted the expanding participation of Partners in ISTC activities. ISTC Partners are intergovernmental, governmental, and non-governmental organizations (including the private sector) that provide funds to engage CIS scientists in peaceful research projects. Total project funding now surpasses US$297 million for 1,042 projects.

The Governing Board addressed financial and operating issues for the Center, toward ensuring the integrity and timely implementation of ISTC activities in all Party territories. The Center is developing appropriate frameworks to protect the Center from currency fluctuations, and to include year-round financing commitments, and new funding from ISTC Parties and Partners, to ensure the continuity of the many projects and programs underway.

The Governing Board expressed its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Alain GERARD, for his years of dedicated service to the ISTC as Deputy Executive Director, and more recently as Executive Director. To succeed Dr. GERARD, the Board approved the EU nomination of Prof. Michael KRONING as Executive Director of the ISTC, to begin his duties at the Center from 01 October 2000.

The Parties continued progress toward a third “Two Year Review of the ISTC,” and focused on topics and themes in preparing for the expanding scope of Center projects and activities. The Parties recognized the need to assess the effectiveness of the ISTC in meeting its nonproliferation goals, which will assist in determining new directions. The Board reviewed an Executive Summary for the Review, and instructed the Parties and Secretariat to proceed toward completion.

The ISTC Governing Board was honored to be received by the Republic of Georgia President Shevardnadze at his residence in Tbilisi, Georgia. At the invitation of Republic of Georgia, ISTC Party delegations visited the Institute of Cosmic Facilities, and the Institute of Stable Isotopes, to review progress in ISTC project activity. Following this, the Department for Science and Technology of the Ministry of Economics hosted a reception for Party delegations.

The Governing Board agreed to hold its 23rd meeting in Moscow on 01-02 November 2000.

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