OSCE
March 15 2005
Milestone agreement initiates first phase of OSCE police assistance
programme in Armenia
YEREVAN, 15 March 2005 – The OSCE today launched the first phase of
the Police Assistance Programme in Armenia with the signing of an
agreement to refurbish the Police Training Centre.
The agreement, signed by the Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan,
Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, and the Armenian Chief of Police,
Lieutenant-General Hayk Harutyunyan, is aimed at bringing basic
police training conditions into line with advanced European
practices. It is also intended to provide modern equipment and
teaching aids.
“Today marks a milestone in our endeavours within the framework of
the Police Assistance Programme, as this initiative represents the
foundation for a well-trained and community-oriented force,” said
Ambassador Pryakhin at the signing ceremony.
“It is an example of fruitful and constructive co-operation between
the OSCE and Armenia in fostering democratic institutions, to the
benefit of Armenian people.”
Lieutenant-General Harutyunyan also praised the co-operation with the
OSCE Office and expressed the deep appreciation of the Armenian
authorities to OSCE participating States for their valuable technical
support and financial contributions.
“This project serves the purpose of setting up suitable logistical
pre-conditions for the development of modern basic police training
for our forces,” he said.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2003, four areas
were identified for the Police Assistance Programme: the
refurbishment of the Training Centre for recruits, the strengthening
of the Training Centre, the introduction of a community-policing
model in one of the districts of Yerevan, and the establishment of a
new emergency response system and infrastructure.
The project will be implemented by the OSCE Office in Yerevan
together with the Armenian Police with advice and guidance provided
by the Strategic Police Matters Unit (SPMU) of the OSCE Secretariat
in Vienna. The project is financed by Belgium, the United States and
Sweden.
For further information, please contact:
Gohar Avagyan
OSCE Office in Yerevan
89 Teryan St.
375009, Yerevan
Armenia
Tel.: +374 1 54 10 62
+374 1 54 58 45
Fax: +374 1 54 10 61
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress