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KABUL, Afghanistan – Top Afghan, Italian and U.S. officers met to discuss security with the district governor and elders at the Bala Murghab District Center, Badghis province, Jan. 12.
The Bala Murghab District has developed over the past year, due to security measures taken across the Murghab valley.
“One year ago, everything was destroyed and we had a lot of problems here,” said Afghan National Army Col. Umar Sahyd, commander, 2nd Battalion, 207th Corps. “Things have improved but problems persist, and that hinders making this area a truly unique place in Afghanistan.”
“I'm pleased that we are working as one team here,” said District Gov. Ibrahim Gavaftar. “Our friends from the Spanish Provincial Reconstruction Team have many development projects planned for when the weather improves, and the U.S. Agency for International Development has been doing a great job across the valley.”
U.S. Army Capt. Tyrek Swaby, Bulldog Troop commander, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, echoed Gavaftar's remarks and thanked the international civilian and military efforts in his area of responsibility, and had a message for the more than dozen village elders in attendance.
“The improvements in Bala Murghab are a direct reflection of the efforts of village elders just like you,” said Swaby. “I can tell you that though this seems small when compared to activities across Afghan as a whole, the projects here have drawn a lot of attention to Bala Murghab. Because of this, many organizations will come here and work on many new development projects this year.”
To make that possible, Afghan and coalition forces must keep the valley safe from insurgent activities, and need local villagers help.
“I remember summers where I felt it was too hot to survive, and then I'd see our coalition friends wearing very heavy equipment, working hard and trying to build security for us,” said an attending elder. “I feel very thankful for these memories and for what you are doing here.”
“We all know that wherever there is peace and safety, we can prosper,” said Sahyd. “Talk to insurgents if you know any. Explain to them to put their weapons down and join the peace process. Let's stop making orphans and start building peace.”
| Date Taken: | 01.12.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 01.13.2011 21:20 |
| Story ID: | 63507 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 111 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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