press releases 2008

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Michele J. Sison celebrates Internal Security Forces cadet graduation

April 15, 2008

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Michele J. Sison congratulated the first 166 cadet graduates of the Internal Security Forces U.S.-funded training program and presented them with their certificates.  The training program is part of the ongoing $60 million law enforcement assistance program, which is assisting the Internal Security Forces to enforce the rule of law and protect the Lebanese people within their sovereign state. 

The ten week state-of-the-art training program module is taught by U.S. instructors and curriculum developers with the assistance of Lebanese police and legal professionals.  The police recruits are instructed in the latest policing and law enforcement skills and how to apply these to real life situations.  Modern police practices, administration, democratic policing, human rights, criminal investigations and other essential law enforcement skills are all part of the program. 

During the graduation ceremony, the Chargé announced a new Internal Security Forces Visitor program to the United States.  She said:  “We will invite a small, selected group of Internal Security Forces police trainees, instructors and officers to the United States to meet with their professional colleagues.  The participants will observe and exchange best practices with U.S. police departments, academies, and, criminal units.”

The U.S. Government has been assisting the ISF in its development since October 2006 through several different programs.  The professional development of the ISF is critical for Lebanon’s sovereignty and security.  The United States Government is committed to supporting Lebanon, the ISF, and the Lebanese people.  U.S. assistance to the ISF is an important part of the United States’ contribution to these efforts. 

Read the Chargé's Remarks.