Skopje, 16 December 2021 (MIA) – The Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Clemens Koja, handed over on Thursday a donation of vehicles to Interior Minister Oliver Spasovski, intended for the Interior Ministy’s canine unit. The donation, which is part of a joint project aimed at reducing the risk of proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons, is worth EUR 236,000. Minister Spasovski underlined that the donation will contribute to implementation of all standards and criteria for modern police work. “This project, aims to enhance Interior Ministry capacities, as well as establish new knowledge, skills and practices, aiming to raise professional and operative standards. The end goal is, of course, to further increase the level of protection of citizens through more efficient control of small arms and light weapons, as well as ammunition,” Spasovski stressed. The project, he added, which was launched in March 2021, is expected to be fully implemented by 2023. The Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Clemens Koja, underlined that for decades the countries of the Western Balkans have been dealing with the challenges of the uncontrolled spread and proliferation of small arms and light weapons This project, he added, supports North Macedonia’s efforts to implement international responsibilities for preventing and combating proliferation of small arms and light weapons, thus contributing to the security and safety of the country and the region. According to Ambassador Koja, the project aims to improve the canine unit’s coordination and inter-institutional cooperation mechanisms and capacities. The donation, he added, was funded by the US, Germany and France. Ambassador Koja underlined that stakeholders are working on resolving the lack of mechanisms for inter-institutional and cross border cooperation and coordination mechanisms necessary to prevent and combat illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons. “The project will assist in building national capacities, institutional strength and cooperation in the fight against proliferation of small arms and light weapons and misuse of firearms, as well as capacities for improving Interior Ministry infrastructure and activities,” he noted.