Monday, January 26, 2009

US envoy hands over $1.5m security gear to Pakistan's Frontier Corps - A Positive Step

US envoy hands over $1.5m security gear to FC
The News, January 27, 2009: Bureau report

PESHAWAR: The United States Ambassador to Pakistan, Anne W Patterson, Monday handed over security equipment worth $1.5 million to the Frontier Corps (FC).

A formal ceremony to this effect was held at the FC Training Centre, Warsak, near here, where the equipment was handed over to Major General Tariq Khan, Inspector General FC.The equipment included protective helmets, bulletproof vests, communication and office equipment.

This is part of ongoing efforts to assist and recognise the efforts and sacrifices of FC and Frontier police, said Patterson, while speaking on the occasion.More equipment, including armoured vehicles and Lead Acid Batteries, would be provided to FC in the next few months. The US has donated to the FC $43.8 million security equipment to date.

Lynne Tracy, principal officer US Consulate, Peshawar, Brigadier General DiBartolomeo, Office of Defence representative Pakistan, US Embassy, Islamabad and Robert Traister, US Consulate, Peshawar, also attended the ceremony.

Meanwhile, the US envoy handed over 32,400 packets of high nutrient biscuits to the Commission of Afghan Refugees to be distributed to families at the Kacha Ghari Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDP) camp.

The donation, made in collaboration with VITA Pakistan Limited, a Lahore-based company, is intended to nutritionally supplement and benefit children aged three to seven.Patterson said the US government had contributed over $10 million for immediate relief efforts, including support for international relief programs. In addition, the US government set aside approximately $10 million for development in Bajaur Agency to assist IDPs as they return to their homes.

The US government, she said, would continue to provide other assistance to affected population and is implementing emergency shelter, health, nutrition, livelihoods, protection, water, sanitation and hygiene programs as well as continuing to provide humanitarian coordination and distribution of emergency supplies.

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