Georgian, U.S. Officials Sign Army Training Accord

Visiting Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army Europe William E. Ward and Chief of Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces Levan Nikoleishvili signed an agreement on September 19 in Tbilisi envisaging the continuation of a U.S. military assistance program for the Georgian army.

The 3rd infantry brigade will be trained in the framework of the Sustainment and Stability Operations Program II, which has a budget of USD 40 million, according to Chief of Staff Levan Nikoleishvili.

?Equipment will be provided by the Georgian side. As you know, under the initial phase of the program both training and equipment were provided by the American side. But at present we are able to equip our army units,? Col. Levan Nikoleishvili said on September 19.

A five-member delegation of the United States European Command (EUCOM) led by Gen. William E. Ward arrived in Tbilisi on September 18.  

Georgian Deputy Defense Minister Mamuka Kudava told reporters after talks with the U.S. delegation that U.S. assistance programs, Georgia-NATO cooperation and U.S. assistance in making the Georgian army compatible with the NATO standards were discussed with the U.S. military officials.

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