EL SALVADOR: ILEA JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING READOUT

UNCLAS SAN SALVADOR 001074 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ES KCRM PGOV PREL SUBJECT: EL SALVADOR: ILEA JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING READOUT ¶1. (U) Summary: Embassy San Salvador convened a quarterly meeting of the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Joint Committee on August 29, 2008. Highlights of the meeting included unveiling of an ambitious 2009 ILEA training syllabus, as well as an update on the construction of the new ILEA San Salvador permanent facility. End Summary. ¶2. (U) The DCM chaired the meeting on behalf of the U.S. delegation, which also included the INL Officer and the RSO. The Salvadorans were represented by the Attorney General, the Deputy Minister of Public Security and Justice, the Director of the National Civilian Police (PNC),and the Director of the National Academy of Public Security (ANSP in Spanish). ¶3. (U) The acting ILEA Director unveiled an ambitious training schedule for academic year 2009 which will expand the ILEA San Salvador course offerings by over 30 percent, as well as include students from Latin American countries previously underrepresented in ILEA training. The Joint Committee also discussed the implications of expanded course offerings at the ILEA satellite facility in Lima, Peru. ¶4. (U) The Joint Committee members then approved an addendum to the ILEA Student Handbook which covers legal and ethical responsibilities. The one page addendum to the handbook, which all future incoming ILEA students will be obligated to read and sign, will stipulate that the student understands the standards of conduct and performance contained in the handbook, and that the student agrees to abide by the same. ¶5. (U) Discussion then turned to the construction of the permanent ILEA San Salvador facility. The Salvadoran ILEA Deputy Director, Hugo Cordova, explained that awarding of the construction contract would likely conclude shortly, and that construction of the first phase should commence sometime in November. Mr. Cordova projected that the entire construction project will be completed eighteen months after initiation. ¶6. (U) The INL Officer updated Salvadoran counterparts on the status of the Merida Initiative, and asked that all Joint Committee members make a concerted effort to use ILEA San Salvador resources and subject matter expertise on behalf of this important regional undertaking. The Vice Minister of Public Security and Justice reiterated the government of El Salvador's strong support for the Merida Initiative, and promised to work to ensure that both El Salvador and the U.S. realize our shared public security objectives. ¶7. (U) The next quarterly ILEA Joint Committee meeting is scheduled for the second week in November. Mission welcomes suggestions and input from all concerned USG stakeholders. GLAZER