Friday, September 19, 2014

Ambassador Hale Marks the Delivery of 38 Vehicles to the Lebanese Internal Security Forces

September 19, 2014
Today American Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale participated in a ceremony to mark the delivery of 38 vehicles to the Internal Security Forces (ISF) at the ISF Mobile Barracks in Dbayeh. The vehicles delivered, valued at $1.6 million, are: five Dodge Ram Pickup trucks; 23 Ford prisoner vans; and ten Ford Explorers. The United States plans to provide the ISF with over $20 million worth of equipment, specialized training, and infrastructure support over the next 12 months. This will enhance the ISF's operational effectiveness and improve the delivery of law enforcement services to the Lebanese public.
Below are Ambassador Hale's remarks from the event.
Good morning and thank you all for coming today. I am pleased to represent the United States, along with several of my Embassy colleagues, at this ceremony. The Internal Security Forces is a key pillar of public security in Lebanon, and the United States is proud of its longstanding partnership with the ISF to train and equip Lebanon's police force. Since 2008, the Embassy has provided over $140 million to the ISF. This assistance is comprehensive and ongoing.
The vehicles delivered today, valued at $1.6 million, include 23 prisoner transport vehicles that will allow the ISF to increase the number of prisoners that can be escorted to courts for hearings. This will alleviate prison overcrowding by addressing a key-factor in the backlog of court cases and facilitating an important part of the judicial process. The other vehicles provided will be used by the Judicial Police in the conduct of their operations.
Time and again, the ISF, along with the Army and General Security, have demonstrated bravery and courage in their mission to protect Lebanon's security and stability. These security bodies have made many sacrifices in their confrontation with forces seeking to sow instability and division, and Lebanon is safer for these sacrifices. Cooperation and unity among Lebanon's security services will make certain that these forces do not succeed. The United States remains committed to working with the Lebanese people and Lebanon's security institutions to ensure this unity and build a more prosperous, secure Lebanon. Our thoughts and prayers are with the kidnapped Army soldiers and ISF policemen.