U.S. CUSTOMS HELPS FORMER SOVIET TERRITORY BUILD BORDER CONTROLS

U.S. CUSTOMS HELPS FORMER SOVIET TERRITORY BUILD BORDER CONTROLS

   U.S. government law enforcement agencies are helping Georgia to increase
its border controls.
   The former Soviet territory recently received new crime-prevention
equipment through a $34-million U.S. international assistance project.
President Eduard Shevardnadze unveiled the equipment at the Black Sea port
of Poti on Saturday.
   Some of the equipment included uniforms, boats, helicopters, vehicles, a
plane, radiation papers and bulletproof vests.
   Since the Russians pulled out of Georgia, the country has been left to
protect its own borders. U.S. Customs, under the Georgia Border Security
and Related Law Enforcement Assistance Program, has taken a leading role in helping
Georgia to build a security program to protect its borders.
   Other U.S. agencies participating in the program are the State
Department, Coast Guard, Border Patrol, Defense Department, FBI, Energy
Department and Commerce.
   The program is funded through 1999, with funds available for two years.