By Robert C. Carey,Monrovia Bureau Chief

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is to commence a Training of Trainers program for the new Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) soldiers and some Defense civilian staff at the Edward B. Kesselly (EBK) military barracks formerly known as Shefflin military barracks on Monday 29 October 2007.

 A high powered  delegation of the ICRC headed by Serge Bourgeois disclosed this when they paid a courtesy visit to Defense Minister, Hon. Brownie J. Samukai, Jr. at his Benson Street office in Monrovia.

Mr. Bourgeois said the intent of this training program is to support the AFL authorities in their duty, to teach the rules of international military laws but through domestic laws and the application of these rules to add to their military skills. He this is part of their job to educate those in arms on civil laws, the rules of engagement and its application so that soldiers can respect the laws and operate without violating these laws.

On his part Defense Minister, Hon. Brownie J. Samukai, Jr. said this program is part of the civil training the military is to undergo which ICRC has taken the initiative to contribute to the process. Minister Samukai explained that ICRC will be teaching the trainers on humanitarian laws, international human right laws and at the same time bring the international credibility to the army so that the soldiers can understand their responsibility or the legal issues involving what is operation from war.

The Minister said on a weekly basis the soldiers will continue to learn Liberia civics so that they can understand their civilian history, civil duty, their civil responsibility so that Liberia can have a military institution that is credible, that respect the rules of the game, rules of engagement and respect civilians