Training for the Palestinian Presidential Guard

Trainers from the Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security will soon begin a series of training courses for officers of the Palestinian Presidential Guard. The course work and practical exercises will enhance the abilities of the Presidential Guard to carry out their primary function – VIP protection. This training is part of a series of courses that will be offered this fall through early 2008. The Department of State provides such training to security services around the world.

This training program is in support of the Framework Agreement signed on August 2, 2007 by Secretary Rice and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, and is part of a broader U.S. and international effort to strengthen and transform the Palestinian security sector and improve the lives of the Palestinian people by assisting the Palestinian Authority in improving law and order. The rule of law and security must be the foundation of any successful Palestinian government. The training and assistance that is being provided will help improve the Palestinian Authority’s capacity to deliver security for the Palestinian people and fight terrorism, build confidence between the parties, and ultimately help to meet the security needs of Palestinians and Israelis alike. The United States and the Palestinian Authority have worked together closely to design this program and will continue to cooperate in its implementation.