Ambassador Tefft Dedicates Training Center and Gymnasium at Police Academy (June 12, 2009)
On June 12, Ambassador John Tefft dedicated two newly constructed buildings that are the result of a bilateral agreement between the U.S. and Georgia to promote the rule of law and the security of all citizens. "This is a very important project," Ambassador Tefft told the gathered media at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "The U.S. has been working for years with the Ministry of Interior in its pursuit of police reforms. We believe that having this facility for training is critically important for the development of Georgian police who are sensitive to public needs, considerate of human rights, and at the same time professional law enforcement officers." Deputy Minister of Interior Eka Zguladze called the implementation of the project "a fine example of mutual cooperation." The MoIA Police Academy's new gymnasium and training center are funded by the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Bureau (INL) at a cost of over $1.5 million. The total USG assistance provided to the Academy since 2004 is $6 million.