NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe visited Lithuanian PRT camp

GHOR, AFGHANISTAN

02.24.2012

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

GHOR, Afghanistan - On Feb. 22, 2012, NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe Lt. Gen. Richard Shirreff with the West Regional Commander, Brig. Gen. Luciano Portolano, and delegation from the International Security Assistance Force Regional Command West, which Lithuania PRT is subordinate to, visited the Ghor PRT camp.

During the visit, the PRT-14 commander, Col. Eligijus Senulis, presented PRT-14 shift and partners activities, the situation in the province, the threats and challenges. Guests were presented in Lithuanian, American and Japanese development projects and programs. Afghan National Army training team and Police operation mentoring liaison team – three commanders presented their activities.

Lt. Gen. Richard Shirreff was a lively interested in PRT and Afghan Security Forces co-operation in ensuring the security of the province. Provincial governor emphasized the contribution of the PRT in development of the ANA and local policemen.

NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe was also interested in local opinion on the ISAF and PRT activities, whether it satisfies them, and how people react to the fact that after 2014, ISAF will withdraw from Afghanistan. Provincial governor fully assesses the international partner’s activities of both, security and economic development context. According to the governor, local residents can see and understand the contribution of the ISAF in Afghanistan's reconstruction, so now; many are waiting anxiously to 2014, followed by the ISAF leave. However, the governor also stressed, that local residents understand, that the country's prosperity and its future belongs to them, and only they are responsible for this, not the international community, and now it is very important properly prepare for that.

At the end of the visit, the NATO DSACEUR met with the PRT-14 soldiers, thanked for their selfless service and contribution to strengthening security in Afghanistan.

Currently, PRT-14, which is formed on the basis of the Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces 5th territorial unit, Vytis Military district, is deployed in Afghanistan Ghor province.


Lithuanian-led Ghor Provincial Reconstruction Team is a joint civilian-military mission, part of NATO's International Security Assistance Force, which started functioning in Ghor province in summer 2005. The PRT's task is to support the central government in expanding its authority throughout the province, providing security and stability and establishing proper conditions for the reconstruction of the province. The PRT composition also includes military and civilian personnel from Georgia, Japan, the USA, Poland, Finland, Bulgaria and Ukraine.

• Date Taken: 02.24.2012
• Date Posted: 02.24.2012 20:39
• Story ID: 84302
• Location: GHOR, AF