press releases 2008

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires a. i. Michele J. Sison Visits the ISF Academy

March 10, 2008

Today, Chargé d’Affaires a. i. Michele J. Sison, accompanied by the U.S. Embassy director for International Law Enforcement programs,  visited the police training academy for the Internal Security Forces (ISF) in Warwar, Beirut.  The Chargé was warmly welcomed by General Abdul Badih Soussi, the officer in charge of the academy, and his command staff, including Colonel Mounir Chaaban, who is responsible for all ISF training. 

On her tour, the Chargé saw training classes in session and visited the four new classroom buildings.  The training classes are being taught by professional trainers from the United States, who will train 9,200 ISF members over a four year period.  The training, along with the new classrooms and offices, are part of the recently signed $60 million agreement between the ISF and the Department of State.  Part of the Chargé’s visit included viewing existing buildings which will be renovated as part of the agreement.  Classrooms, dormitories, kitchens and the dining facilities will all be upgraded.

The U.S. police training program in Lebanon is one of the largest such U.S. government police training programs in the world.    “This program is a significant part of our bilateral assistance to Lebanon focused on developing a professional and modern ISF force, which plays an important security role in Lebanon” Charge Sison said.   “I am so glad I was able to visit today and see the training programs in operation.”