    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [February 24, 2000]
    [Page 309]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 309]]

    Statement on Strengthening Police and Judicial Institutions in Countries
    Where Peacekeeping Forces Are Deployed
    February 24, 2000

        I have just signed a Presidential decision directive (PDD) that will
    improve America's ability to strengthen police and judicial institutions
    in countries where peacekeeping forces are deployed. The PDD directs the
    Departments of State, Defense, and Justice to undertake a series of
    critical enhancements in the areas of police-military coordination as
    well as in police, penal, and judicial training and development.
        In peacekeeping missions from the Balkans to East Timor,
    establishing basic law and order has been among the most important--and
    formidable--challenges. Developing effective local police forces,
    establishing credible court and penal systems, and reforming legal codes
    can make the crucial difference between building a just future and
    lapsing back into conflict.
        When fully implemented, this PDD will help overcome major obstacles
    that currently confront international peacekeeping operations. By
    enhancing cooperation between police and military peacekeepers, we will
    better ensure public security during these operations. By more
    effectively training and fielding international police monitors, we will
    better ensure that local police fairly and effectively prevent the
    breakdown of law and order in post-conflict societies. And by improving
    our ability to provide assistance to local judicial and penal
    institutions, we will better ensure accountability as well as confidence
    among local populations often traumatized by the conflicts they have
    endured.
        We must do everything possible to improve our ability to help
    countries in transition to get the job done and to encourage other
    governments and the United Nations to be deeply engaged in these
    efforts.