The U.S. Embassy, through the U.S. Military Group, in conjunction with the Command of Engineers of the Armed Forces of El Salvador, inaugurated a storage facility and two barracks for military personnel from Salvadoran peacekeeping operations. The construction of these new facilities was carried out under the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI).
The Military Group of the Embassy provided $1.5 million from the GPOI for the project. This effort is aimed at helping El Salvador strengthen its contributions to the United Nations to promote world peace.
The GPOI is a U.S. Government-funded security assistance program intended to enhance international capacity to effectively conduct United Nations and regional peace support operations (PSOs).
The Armed Forces of El Salvador have participated in seven PSOs through this program.
“The contribution made by El Salvador, although not big in troop numbers, has positioned El Salvador in a broader diplomatic position in international forums. This higher position facilitates the diplomatic engagement of the government.,” said the Commander of the Military Group of the Embassy, Colonel Robert Wagner.
“By receiving these facilities, CEOPAZ makes the moral and professional commitment to seeking excellency each day, by training the selected personnel and contributing to international peace and order,” said CEOPAZ Commander Manuel Antonio Acevedo Lopez.
The training the participants will recieve at the new facility includes: psychological and physical evaluations, logistical assessments in peacekeeping missions, human rights, force protection, and armored vehicles driving skills.
The peacekeeping troops, composed of about 100 members, will benefit with the new facilities, which are designed according to their needs.
“The facilities help us a lot, we spend more than four months away from home for the training. The time for breaks and relaxation are better now,” said Isis Matias, one of the first Salvadoran women to participate in a PSO.
