NATO Military Committee concludes Afghanistan visit

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

10.24.2008

Courtesy Story

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

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By the International Security Assistance Force - Afghanistan Public Affairs Office

KABUL, Afghanistan - NATO's Military Committee concluded its visit to Afghanistan yesterday. During the visit, military representatives from the 26 NATO nations and from the non-NATO Troop-Contributing Nations to International Security Assistance Force were updated on the operation and the current evolution of the security situation in Afghanistan.

"We wanted not only to testify to NATO's continuing military commitment in Afghanistan with ISAF, but also to get a first-hand knowledge of the situation on the ground from the perspective of local authorities and commanders," said Admiral Di Paola, chairman of NATO's MC, heading the NATO delegation.

During the visit, the committee met with various commanders including Gen. David McKiernan, commander of ISAF, who briefed on progress as well as continuing challenges.

The MC also met with NATO Senior Civilian Representative, Ambassador Fernando Gentilini; the Afghan Minister of Defense, Mr. Abdul Rahim Wardak, the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, Mr. Kai Eide; and representatives from the EUPOL mission. A delegation from the MC also visited the Afghan mmnistry of interior and the Afghan ministry of public health.

These meetings greatly contributed to providing in-depth analysis of the security, governance and reconstruction and development situation, currently the main lines of operation for the Afghan national development strategy.

Discussions with these different authorities are considered fundamental. This new and comprehensive approach, in line with current NATO thinking, is a concept which encourages a wider political-military response, engaging both the international community and Afghanistan's national authorities.

"Bringing together all the different actors involved in this delicate mission is paramount to achieving success," said Admiral Di Paola. "We must incorporate coherently and concretely the vast range of activities we undertake, from security to reconstruction and mentoring, working closely with the Afghan authorities to deliver real benefits to the Afghan people."

The committee had an informative briefing from Afghan Defense Minister Wardak on the Afghan national security forces and, in particular, on the continuing progress of the Afghan national army and more recently the Afghan national police, which the committee was able to assess during its visit to the National Interdiction Unit in Kabul.

A self-sustaining ANSF plays an essential role in improving safety across the country and assuring long-term security. The committee reaffirmed its strong military support, particularly through training the ANA, and confirmed its clear and common understanding of what is needed to reach objectives as rapidly as possible. It also underlined the value and importance of the Operational Mentoring Liaison Teams in partnership with ANSF.

NATO's Military Representatives also met with local Afghan governors, and commanders of the regional commands, task forces, provincial reconstruction teams as well as NATO and Afghan units. "We get the sense that the ANA commanders and soldiers are a real success story. Their coordination with ISAF is improving, and they are demonstrating every day their value and their great motivation. Afghan people must be as proud of their Army as we are," said Admiral Di Paola after visiting an ANA unit in Kandahar province.

NATO's military representatives also took time to visit their national troops, seeing for themselves the high degree of motivation of NATO's soldiers in their daily efforts to contribute to creating better conditions for peace and security.

"We do not hide the difficulties we are facing," concluded the MC chairman. "It is undeniable that the overall situation is still problematic, but we need to demonstrate what we have seen and heard: tangible signs of progress that are really encouraging and lead us and the international community towards even greater efforts to support Afghanistan in its struggle for a more secure and better future."