OSCE and UNODC Conduct Training Course to Strengthen North Macedonia’s Capacity to Implement Targeted Financial Sanction Regimes

A three-day training course on strengthening North Macedonia’s capacity to implement targeted financial sanction regimes concluded on Wednesday, May 11, 2023, in Veles, North Macedonia. The training was jointly organized by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with the support of the OSCE Mission to Skopje. The training aimed to support further compliance with OSCE commitments and international standards in the field of countering the financing of terrorism.

The course brought together twenty-two participants from nine different agencies of North Macedonia involved in countering terrorist financing. The agencies included the Public Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Organized Crime and Corruption, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Customs Administration, Financial Police Office, Intelligence Agency, Ministry of Justice, Financial Intelligence Office, Agency for National Security, and National Coordinator’s Office for Countering Violent Extremism and Countering Terrorism.

The training sessions focused on the opportunities presented by the sanction regime pursuant to UN Security Council Resolutions 1267 as a disruption tool, procedures derived from it, and the effective use of sanctions through inter-agency cooperation. An expert from the UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities presented the role of the Monitoring Team, the threat picture, and a case study.

Mr. Zlatko Arsov, Deputy National Coordinator for Countering Violent Extremism and Countering Terrorism, highlighted in his opening remarks the need to foster regional and international cooperation in countering terrorism. He also thanked the OSCE for its support in organizing this series of training courses and more broadly for its support in drafting National Strategies on Countering Terrorism and Countering Violent Extremism.

This was the final course in the framework of the progressive training programme on countering the financing of terrorism, jointly implemented by the OSCE and UNODC since 2021 in North Macedonia and organized with the financial support of the United States. The programme included five tailored training modules for officials from North Macedonia, delivered by local trainers.

The OSCE Mission to Skopje will ensure follow-up support to the national agencies responsible for countering terrorism. The training was a step towards strengthening North Macedonia’s capacity to implement targeted financial sanction regimes and effectively counter terrorist financing.

The move comes as North Macedonia faces significant challenges in countering terrorist financing and other forms of organized crime. According to the latest annual report by the US Department of State, North Macedonia remains a transit point for illicit drugs and other forms of contraband. The country has also been grappling with the threat of domestic and foreign terrorist attacks in recent years.

By participating in the training course, North Macedonia has taken a significant step towards improving its ability to disrupt the financial networks that support terrorist organizations. This will not only enhance its own security but also contribute to regional and global efforts to combat terrorism and transnational organized crime.

The OSCE and UNODC have demonstrated their continued commitment to assisting North Macedonia in addressing these challenges. Through their joint efforts, they have helped build the capacity of North Macedonia’s law enforcement agencies to detect, investigate, and prosecute cases related to terrorist financing and other forms of financial crime.

Overall, the successful completion of the training course is a positive development, as it demonstrates the commitment of North Macedonia and its partner organizations to enhancing the country’s capacity to counter terrorist financing and implement targeted financial sanctions regimes.

The training course comes at a crucial time, as terrorist organizations continue to exploit vulnerabilities in the global financial system to move funds and support their operations. By strengthening North Macedonia’s ability to detect and disrupt these activities, the country is contributing to the broader international effort to combat terrorism and protect citizens around the world.

The training program is also an example of the important role that international organizations such as the OSCE and UNODC can play in supporting member states in the fight against terrorism. By providing training and technical assistance, these organizations can help build the capacity of national authorities to counter the financing of terrorism and implement effective measures to disrupt terrorist networks.

Looking ahead, it will be important for North Macedonia to continue to build on the progress made during the training program and to implement the lessons learned in a sustained and effective manner. This will require ongoing collaboration and co-operation between the various national agencies involved in countering terrorist financing, as well as continued support from the OSCE, UNODC and other international partners.

In conclusion, the successful completion of the training course in North Macedonia is a positive development in the country’s efforts to counter terrorist financing and implement targeted financial sanctions regimes. By enhancing its capacity to detect and disrupt the financing of terrorism, North Macedonia is contributing to the broader international effort to combat this threat and protect citizens around the world. The training program is also an example of the important role that international organizations can play in supporting member states in the fight against terrorism, and highlights the need for ongoing collaboration and co-operation between national and international partners to effectively address this challenge.