VZCZCXYZ1152
OO RUEHWEB
DE RUEHKI #0223 0651644
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 051644Z MAR 08
FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7628
INFO RUEHXR/RWANDA COLLECTIVE
RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AF DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE
RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
RUZEJAA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC
UNCLAS KINSHASA 000223
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV MASS CG
SUBJECT: Ambassador addresses latest graduates of USG-funded staff
officer training
1. The Ambassador, speaking at graduation ceremonies for the 36
graduates of the U.S.-funded Battalion Staff Officer Training Course
March 3 in Kinshasa, cited the program as further evidence of the
good state of U.S.-Congolese relations and encouraged graduates to
see their role as protecting the Congolese people. The 36 officers,
ranging from lieutenant colonel to captain in rank, completed a
seven-week course in the U.S. method of military decision-making and
battlefield operating systems, as well as human rights and code of
conduct issues.
2. Deputy Defense Minister Luc Amuri, who presided at the ceremony,
expressed thanks to the United States for assisting in the
modernization of the Congolese military. This is the eighth time
the U.S. has funded the course, which is taught by American military
instructors. DCM Brock addressed the previous graduation ceremony
November 30.
3. MONUC Radio Okapi and the pro-government daily L'Observateur
highlighted the Ambassador's remarks in their reports of the event.
GARVELINK