Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies
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Phone: (808) 971-8916   FAX: (808) 971-8999  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       

#06-77
May 23, 2006

Joint Alumni Gathering Held in Madagascar

Antananarivo, Madagascar – On May 2, the Asia-Pacific Center for Security joined the Africa Center and U.S. Embassy to hold a reunion meeting and roundtable discussion on alumni chapters.  Nearly 40 former participants of both center’s programs, as well as embassy representatives and a few key government officials, attended.  U.S Ambassador James McGee welcomed conferees, followed by remarks from Africa Center Director, Gen. (Ret) Carlton W. Fulford Jr. and a video presentation from APCSS Director, Lt. Gen. (Ret) Ed Smith.  A seven-member planning committee was formed and will be meeting in the near future to discuss the next steps in forming chapters.

 

 

A Planning Committee was formed to explore further the advantages of a joint alumni chapter.  From left to right members are Colonel Jean Claude Ralahimanana (APCSS), Commander Padoue Ranaivoseheno (APCSS), Colonel Thierry Randrianazary (Africa Center), Harimanana Raniriharinosy (APCSS), Mary McGurn (Africa Center), Guy Andre Rakotomena (Africa Center), Lieutenant Colonel Sylvain Ratefiniaina (APCSS), and Colonel Herilanto Raveloharison (Africa Center).

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The APCSS addresses regional and global security issues, inviting military and civilian representatives of the United States and 45 Asia-Pacific nations to its comprehensive program of courses and conferences, both in Hawaii and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.  The Center supports the U.S. Pacific Command’s objective of developing professional and personal ties among national security establishments throughout the region.  APCSS focuses on a multilateral and multi-dimensional approach to defining and addressing regional security issues and concerns.  The most beneficial result is building relationships of trust and confidence among future leaders and decision-makers within the region.