Speeches, Remarks & Statements in 2008

EUCOM Ground Breaking Ceremony-Canine (K9) Facilities
Remarks by Ambassador Milovanovic

June 20, 2008

Minister Elenovski, Director Todorovski, distinguished guests.  It is a pleasure for me to be here today to participate in this groundbreaking ceremony for a project that is the result of more than two years of work and unprecedented interagency cooperation.

The ceremony today is clear evidence of the strong support the US Government provides the Government of Macedonia in its efforts to address organized crime and drug trafficking here in Macedonia.

It also shows what is possible when ministries in Macedonia work together to address a common need, as the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior have done.  In my own Mission, this project is a model example of interagency teamwork, involving active collaboration between the Departments of Justice, Defense, and State, in close cooperation with the U.S. European Command, EUCOM, based in Germany.    
 
The reconstruction of the canine breeding and training facilities has been supported by EUCOM donations of equipment and training materials for these units.  That support represents our commitment to further enhancing Macedonia’s counter-narcotics capacity. 

In addition to the more than $1,000,000 in assistance that EUCOM has provided, the Embassy also has provided, and continues to provide, specialized training for law enforcement personnel and equipment to help Macedonian law enforcement personnel further improve their ability to do their jobs professionally and effectively.    

The Embassy also provides a Senior Organized Crime Advisor to the Ministry of Interior who works with the Chiefs and Inspectors in the Organized Crime Department on a daily basis, assisting in developing increased capacity to attack drug trafficking and related organized crime activities.

As you know, our efforts require the cooperation and support of both the Macedonian Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of the Interior if they are going to be effective.  I want to thank both Ministries for their support of this project, and the many others who have helped us address common law enforcement goals.
   
Illegal drug trafficking trends, arrests and seizures clearly indicate the continuing challenge of drug trafficking in Macedonia, a scourge that affects too many citizens here who buy, sell, or use illicit drugs. 

The battle against drug trafficking and addiction is an uphill one. I am convinced that the canine units this facility will train and house will be a valuable resource in this fight.

In closing, let me encourage your officers, soldiers and their canine partners to do their best to protect the people of Macedonia from drug trafficking and its impact on individuals and society at large.  You are fighting a just war against an enemy that knows no boundaries.  Combined with education campaigns to prevent drug abuse, your efforts can help win important battles in that war in order to secure a better future for Macedonia.

Thank you.