|
Trending Topics
|
Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSL2865819520070328
U.S. to Vet Abbas' Forces Before Training Begins
[Reuters] Adam Entous - Members of Mahmoud Abbas' presidential guard eligible for U.S.-funded training and equipment will be screened in advance for militant ties, U.S. documents showed on Wednesday. The Bush administration is trying to allay concerns that a portion of the $59.4 million program could inadvertently benefit militants from Fatah or Hamas, both groups considered "terrorist organizations" by the U.S. and Israel. A U.S. government document said members of the presidential guard will undergo a series of local background checks before receiving any U.S.-funded training. In addition, Israel will be able to screen individual trainees before they are allowed to travel to Jordan for U.S.-funded training.