Dedication Ceremony of ILEA Gaborone

The ILEA vision of cooperation has never been more important. Today, advances in technology have broken down the barriers between nations and created an opportunity for unprecedented prosperity for the world’s people. But, paradoxically, this situation has also created unprecedented opportunities for transnational threats that we must address together if we are to realize our peoples’ hopes for prosperity and security.

The devastating scope of these new threats was seen in the horrific events of September 11, which took the lives of not only Americans, but of citizens from over 80 countries around the globe. This tragic event and other terrorist attacks in Africa, Asia, and elsewhere made clear that nations must work together if we are to address the threats posed by terrorists and criminals that respect no nation’s boundaries or laws. These critical threats stand in the way of all that we hope to achieve for our societies. They threaten our youth with violence and corruption, undermine our internal and external interests, and tear at the fabric of society-- jeopardizing both emerging and established democracies. They slow economic growth and undermine free market reform; enable the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and finance international and domestic terrorism.

Advancing our shared fight against crime and terrorism by promoting the rule of law and fostering international law enforcement cooperation is a pre-eminent objective of U.S. foreign policy and of the international community of nations. There is no question that it will remain so well into the future. The United States is proud to join committed nations and stand shoulder-to-shoulder as friends and allies facing this challenge and working to make a safer world. This ILEA, the training, and sense of regional cooperation it can provide are fundamental and tangible examples of both our shared commitment and what we can achieve together.

I commend His Excellency President Festus Mogae for his vision, drive, and dedication to make this important accomplishment a reality today. It was truly his Excellency’s personal involvement from the very start of this process that made it possible and we are greatly honored that he is here today. No discussion of ILEA Gaborone would be complete without citing the vital work of Police Commissioner Norman Moleboge who was indispensable in spearheading this effort. In addition, it is the work of participating nations and law enforcement agencies, especially the commitment of U.S. Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and its Director Connie Patrick who is with us today, that brings life and vitality to this concept, not only through ensuring training, but by building the true ongoing cooperation that is our critical goal. Through the excellent work of Ambassador Joseph Huggins and in providing one of our best, Seymour Jones, to lead our efforts in the ILEA, we feel our commitment to assist the leadership of Botswana and the participating nations is clear.

I know that the ILEA leadership views ILEA Gaborone not just as a site for training, but as a centerpiece for confronting issues related to international crime and criminal activities in the region. ILEA Gaborone will serve the interests of all participating SADC (Southern African Development Community) nations in several ways: by establishing and expanding the long-term liaison relationships among law enforcement officials that are critical to combating international crime; by supporting democracy and stressing the rule of law in international and domestic police operations; and by raising the professionalism of officers involved in the fight against crime.

It is the commitment to foster these democratic principles that underscores the efforts of the United States and participating nations. Unfortunately, however, not all governments have embraced that commitment. We look forward to a day in the near future when all of the nations of the region embrace democracy and will be participating in the ILEA programs.

In closing, the dedication of this world-class facility is a great accomplishment, but it is a first step. What gives life to this facility and its mission is our ongoing and shared commitment to confronting these threats. The challenges we face are great; indeed there are few more daunting or important to our nations and the world. Yet I am confident that, with the leadership shown by this initiative, both it and its mission will succeed, and that our underlying message to our citizens who face these threats is not one of fear, but one of hope. It is that by confronting threats together that we can achieve security and the prosperity we all seek; and that the leadership and cooperation here will help set the tone for a safer and better world.