Lab Standards for Iraq to Emerge from Biological Risk

UNCLAS AMMAN 000032 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TBIO IZ JO SUBJECT: Lab Standards for Iraq to Emerge from Biological Risk Workshop REF: Amman 2916 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: A dozen Iraqi scientists attended a Department of Energy-sponsored workshop in Amman December 18-20 on reducing safety and security risks at biological labs. The workshop was put on by staff from Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). The workshop introduced current best practices and technology for running safe and secure labs. It also helped to establish a network among top Iraqi biologists. Next, two senior Iraqi biologists, working closely with the Iraqi Biosafety Committee and SNL, will begin to draft national biosafety/biosecurity guidelines for Iraq. End Summary. -------------- Workshop Builds on Prior Training, Needs -------------- ¶2. (U) The December 18-20 biological risks workshop was a direct outcome of the July 2006 workshop in Jordan for Iraqi scientists on animal health surveillance and molecular diagnosis. During that workshop, participants recognized and commented on their need for further training in safe and secure lab procedures. Sandia also held a regional biosafety workshop in Amman in February 2006. ¶3. (U) Sandia staffers Dr. Donato Aceto and Paula Austin facilitated the December 2006 workshop, and gave presentations on international biological threats, risk assessment, threat reduction, elements of biosecurity and biosafety, and global practices. Iraqi participants made a series of presentations on their individual institutions, practices, plans and needs. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: The December workshop lent much-needed support to the embattled scientific leaders of Iraq, as well as raising their ability to reduce risks from biological agents. End Comment. ¶5. (U) This message has been cleared by Dr. Donato Aceto. HALE