White House Briefing Room
February 24, 2000
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
I have just signed a Presidential Decision Directive (PDD) that
will improve America’s ability to strengthen police and judicial
institutions in countries where peacekeeping forces are
deployed. The PDD directs the Departments of State, Defense and
Justice to undertake a series of critical enhancements in the
areas of police-military coordination, as well as in police,
penal and judicial training and development.
In peacekeeping missions from the Balkans to East Timor,
establishing basic law and order has been among the most
important - and formidable - challenges. Developing effective
local police forces, establishing credible court and penal
systems, and reforming legal codes can make the crucial
difference between building a just future and lapsing back into
conflict.
When fully implemented, this PDD will help overcome major
obstacles that currently confront international peacekeeping
operations. By enhancing cooperation between police and military
peacekeepers, we will better ensure public security during these
operations. By more effectively training and fielding
international police monitors, we will better ensure that local
police fairly and effectively prevent the breakdown of law and
order in post-conflict societies. And by improving our ability
to provide assistance to local judicial and penal institutions,
we will better ensure accountability, as well as confidence
among local populations often traumatized by the conflicts they
have endured.
We must do everything possible to improve our ability to help
countries in transition to get the job done - and to encourage
other governments and the United Nations to be deeply engaged in
these efforts.
http://www.newswatchmagazine.org/UNpolice/index.shtml
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