Fecha: 13 de marzo, 2009.
Letter of Agreement Signed with Panama
Bureau of Public Affairs
Office of the Spokesman
Washington,
DC
March 13,
2009
U.S. Ambassador to Panama
Barbara Stephenson and Panamanian Minister of the Presidency Rafael Mezquita
today signed the first letter of agreement implementing the Merida Initiative,
a multi-year regional effort to combat organized crime, gangs and the
trafficking of narcotics and firearms. Today's signing provides an initial
$2,011,000 in FY2008 funding for the first year of the Merida Initiative.
Under this agreement, the
Panamanian Government will participate in the following four projects fully
funded by the U.S. Government: Central American Fingerprint Exchange, $300,000;
Central American Vetted and Sensitive Investigative Units (SIU), $1,000,000;
Improved policing and police equipment, $613,000; and improved prison
management, $100,000. A second letter of agreement to be signed in the future
will cover projects including the targeting of at risk youth and anti-gang
programs, community policing, and demand reduction.
Representatives of the
Government of the United States and the Government of Panama will meet
quarterly to review qualitative and quantitative progress towards achievement
of the project goals and objectives. These evaluations are in addition to the
ongoing monitoring of the programs and activities conducted by each government.
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/03/120344.htm
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