Speeches

Ambassador John Price's Remarks at the graduation ceremony of the U.S. Defense Institute of International Legal Studies seminar

Friday, September 17, 2004
Diamond Hall, Mobile Wing (SMF), Vacoas

Mr. Seeballuck, Home Affairs, Secretary, Prime Minister's Office
Police Commissioner Gopalsingh
Commanding Officer Reesaul 
Mr. Peerun, Director of the National Security Service
Instructors from the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies
Participants

On behalf of the United States Embassy in Mauritius, it gives me great pleasure to be here today for the graduation ceremony of the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies seminar.

The United States Embassy through its International Military Education Training Program, known as the “IMET” Program, has awarded grants of 4.9 million Rupees for military training to the Government of Mauritius this year.  This week’s training was just one example of how IMET funds are used in Mauritius. 

The IMET program is a vital component of U.S. security assistance, that provides training on a grant basis to students from allied and friendly nations.  The IMET program is an investment in ideas and people.  The program exposes students to the U.S. professional military establishment and the American way of life, including, amongst other things, U.S. regard for democratic values, respect for individual and human rights and belief in the rule of law.  Students are also exposed to U.S. military procedures and the manner in which our military functions under civilian control.

The IMET program has two main goals: to further regional stability through effective, mutually beneficial military-to military relations; and to increase the ability of foreign national military and civilian personnel to absorb and maintain basic democratic values and protect internationally recognized human rights. 

Since 1997, the Embassy has funded more than thirty officers of the Mauritius National Police Force to attend IMET Programs in the United States.  In addition, two National Coast Guard officers graduated from the U.S.’s Naval Staff College, one of the highest levels of training provided under the IMET Program.

The Mobile Training Team of the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies’ week-long seminar here in Mauritius covered ethical concerns in the modern world, challenges to public service, corruption, rule of law, the role of the military in law enforcement, victim and witness protection, and government and media relations.  This was the last phase of a three-phase program, tailored to be most appropriate and useful to the Mauritian participants. 

I would like to commend all those who have worked for the success of this seminar, for their assistance, and the Special Mobile Force for the facilities accorded to the trainers.  I have no doubt that the participants who have successfully attended this program, have derived enormous benefits and will use their experience in the course of their duties.  I am certain that the distinguished U.S. military trainers have themselves learned a lot through their interaction with all of you.

Thank you again and congratulations to the graduates.