U.S. says no plans to end police-training program in Iraq
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 15 May 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, U.S. says no plans to end police-training program in Iraq, 15 May 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4fbcc8d531.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 15, 2012
WASHINGTON – The United States has denied reports that it may shut down a multibillion-dollar police-training program in Iraq, saying instead that it will be downsized at Baghdad's request.
"If [the Iraqis] tell us they need less support, we are going to downsize, and in this case they are asking us to continue the advisory and training program, but to downsize it," said U.S. State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland.
Nuland also said Washington was looking to cut costs.
In an earlier statement, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad insisted that there are no plans to shutter the program.
"The New York Times" reported on May 13, citing unnamed U.S. State Department officials, that due to spiraling costs and Iraqi opposition, restructuring could leave a mere 50 U.S. trainers in the program or end it entirely.
With reporting by "The New York Times" and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website