OSCE Mission launches capacity-building training for high-ranking Georgian Border Police

TBILISI, 4 September 2006 - An OSCE training programme to help make Georgia's border management more effective by improving the operational planning and rapid reaction capacity of the Georgian Border Police began today in Lilo, near Tbilisi.

The OSCE Mission to Georgia's 12-month Capacity-Building Programme will train 360 senior border police officers in decision-making methodology and skills for rapid reaction to border incidents. The programme will be delivered at two training centres, one in Lilo and one in the northern mountain village of Omalo, as well as at a number of Border Police regional field headquarters.

"This one-year programme aims at helping the Georgian Border Police service strengthen key capacities and capabilities, and to create its own training system," said Ambassador Roy Reeve, OSCE Head of Mission. "The Mission and the Border Police service worked closely to develop a comprehensive curriculum, which will enhance its command, control and communications system."

As 44 senior border police officers began the training programme today at the Lilo training centre, the OSCE Mission and the Georgian Border Police signed an agreement on co-operation.

Also at the launch of the programme, experts demonstrated mountain rescue skills taught in previous OSCE training initiatives and new techniques set to be covered in the new programme.

The programme, which taps into the OSCE Mission's specialized experience in border monitoring and training, will be presented by a team of 50 personnel.