A+ A-

US opens security forces training center in Jericho

WASHINGTON, March 17 (KUNA) -- The State Department announced on Tuesday it has opened a Palestinian security forces training center in Jericho.
"U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) David Johnson and Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad formally opened the Presidential Guard Training Center in Jericho," said a statement released by the State Department.
The training center was built with USD 10.1 million of State Department assistance and completed by Palestinian contractors over the course of the past 16 months, "US Assistant Secretary of State Johnson praised the work of the Presidential Guard and the Palestinian Authority in developing a well-trained, professional force to advance the rule of law, which is of fundamental importance to Palestinians," noted the statement.
The center has a training capacity of 700 officers and enlisted men, including accommodations and dining facilities, waste water treatment, parade grounds, classrooms, and an obstacle course and the construction was overseen by the United Nations Office for Project Services. (end) jm.rk KUNA 171907 Mar 09NNNN