BAMYAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - International, national and provincial leaders conducted a transfer-of-authority ceremony making Bamyan the first province to begin transitioning responsibility for security, governance and development to Afghan control, July 17.
TOA organizers chose the local Afghan National Police headquarters complex as the venue to host the historic event. Their first day officially leading security operations in Bamyan, ANP proved their professionalism and provided tight security at checkpoints in and around the TOA site and surrounding areas.
Various dignitaries attended the ceremony, addressing the assembly and conducting a related discussion session before the TOA. Distinguished attendees included several Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan ministers, Bamyan’s governor and ambassadors from the New Zealand, Japanese and American embassies.
Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, chairman of the Transition Coordination Commission implementing GIRoA’s transition action plan and international community commitments, said it is important to maintain trust of the people in the government.
“The provincial government and the people of Bamyan express their deepest gratitude to the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team, in particular, and International Security Assistance Forces for the significant roles they have played,” said Ahmadzai. “The people welcome the transformation of the New Zealand PRT from a military-led to a civilian-led organization and are delighted about the international community’s affirmation of continued commitment through 2014.
“We have a vision of Bamyan as the new crossroads of the ‘silk road’ and a central point of intersection that would be based on investment in communication, investment in infrastructure, investment in education, tourism and, of course, the possibility of the mining sector here,” continued Ahmadzai.
Bamyan Provincial Gov. Dr. Habiba Sarabi said she and her fellow countrymen are happy to take another step toward Afghan-led security and development within their country. She congratulated the people of Afghanistan for beginning the transition process of the county’s seven provinces to Afghan control.
“This is a very progressive process, which cannot be reversible,” said Sarabi. “ANSF are ready to take the responsibility of security of Afghanistan with the help of civilian authorities and the support of the people of Afghanistan (...) This process will not be possible without equipping ANSF and good governance and the support of the people.
“All Afghan’s brothers and sisters have responsibilities to take this process to a successful step,” continued Sarabi. “I would like to say thank you to the international community ... who help the people of Afghanistan. With the help of God and support of the people, we would like to execute the plan of transition to prove to the people of the world that Afghanistan can take this process to successfulness and to prove that Afghanistan can be a part of the security of the region and the world.”
Richard Prendergast, civilian director of the New Zealand PRT in Bamyan, said the transition ceremony marked a “hugely significant and important” day for the residents of Bamyan and all people of Afghanistan. Although transition is expected to be a lengthy, three-year process, Bamyan has been named as a tranche-one – or first installment - transition province, and is the first province to have a transition ceremony in Regional Command-East.
“This reflects the very good progress that has been made in Bamyan in recent years,” said Prendergast. “There is relative security here compared to the rest of Afghanistan, there is a good government-to-government relationship and there is progress being made in development.
“So, it is a good opportunity for the Afghan people to now take the lead in security, governance and development; and in this transition process the New Zealand-led PRT will continue to support them,” Prendergast continued.
Prendergast is aware of some of the concerns many Afghans might have about transitioning control to GIRoA. One of his priorities has been to work closely with the provincial governor every day to get accurate transition messages to the Bamyan people. The transition ceremony, especially with local and international media attention, is a good opportunity to accomplish that.
“Part of the problem has been the misunderstanding that transition means the New Zealand PRT will have a sudden departure and exit. This is not the case,” said Prendergast. “Transition is very much a process. It begins tomorrow, July 17, and all that means is that Afghan people will take the lead.
“And so what I would say to those that have concerns is that we are giving you an opportunity to empower yourselves to take the lead in security, governance and development,” he continued. “The New Zealand PRT, along with all those international actors, will continue to support you, continue to partner (with) you, and we will be here at least until 2014.”
U.S. Assistant Ambassador Richard Olson, coordinating director for development and economic affairs, saluted New Zealand PRT officials for their leadership. The U.S. watched progress in Bamyan for nine years, and Olson said he is not surprised Bamyan is among the first provinces to transition to Afghan control, he said.
“This is one of the most secure areas in Afghanistan, and the formal transition to Afghan security control is simply a recognition of a reality that the people of Bamyan want peace and want to support their armed forces,” said Olson “The United States will continue to be present in support of the New Zealand PRT.
“As we eventually transition our civilian presence, we will retain our connections with the province and will continue to have diplomats, development experts and agricultural experts available to support Bamyan’s development,” Olson continued. “In this sense, our ongoing partnership with Bamyan symbolizes our broader relationship with Afghanistan, which will be one of partnership into 2014, but in 2015 and beyond as well.”
New Zealand Defense Force Lt. Col. Hugh Mcaslan, New Zealand PRT commander, said the PRT began planning for transition in March, based on ISAF’s timeline, conducting assessments across the security, development and governance lines of operation. The New Zealand PRT in Bamyan - including Malaysians, Americans and European police –focused on building capacity instead of delivering services for the past few years, so heading into transition is not a major change in the PRT’s methods or approach, he said.
“We probably didn’t appreciate it until yesterday, from an international perspective. Going down to that ceremony and seeing what it meant to Afghans to see their flag actually get raised up there,” said Mcaslan. “Although it may be symbolic (raising the flag), they are now in the lead. We are going to be there doing ‘followship’ not leadership. I think that was significant for the locals here. From a psychological point of view, I think it is a huge step that has got to permeate throughout the rest of the country.
“I think the key is, for all of Afghanistan, they have got to have something they can look at and say, ‘Hey, those guys have done it, and it is achievable.’ I think that is the key thing for Afghans to get their heads around, (that) this is achievable.” continued Mcaslan. “It is an interesting time. We see a lot of international media; they are only focusing on the stuff that is not going so well here, but I think the impacts of the (counter insurgency) strategy over the last few years ... is starting to pay dividends. What is important now is we leverage off our successes in places like Bamyan and these tranche one provinces to make it work.”
Maj. Gen. Richard Rossmanith, ISAF deputy chief of staff for stability, said the ceremony marked ISAF handing over the responsibility for security matters to national and regional Afghan authorities. The transition would not be possible without the “dedicated efforts of countless Afghans,” particularly the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police creating the conditions for the cause of the celebration, he said.
“Some 10 years after the ruthless destruction of two masterpieces of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage - the statues of Buddha here in Bamyan province ... we are about to enter a new stage of the country’s history,” said Rossmanith. “It is truly impressive to witness how the national security forces and also the regional institutions and authorities have built and improved their capabilities and capacities over time.
“While you are celebrating a significant landmark today, this is officially the beginning but not yet the end of the transition process,” continued Rossmanith. “Let us all hope that someday people from all parts of Afghanistan, and from all over the world, will travel again to see the natural wonders … and to enjoy the atmosphere of hospitality here in Bamyan and the old ‘silk road.’”
| Date Taken: | 07.23.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 07.23.2011 14:54 |
| Story ID: | 74212 |
| Location: | BAMYAN PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 203 |
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