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KABUL, Afghanistan - Adm. James Stavridis, the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, concluded a two day visit to Afghanistan, May 27.
During his visit, the admiral witnessed an Afghan National Army kandak undergoing training and spoke to its soldiers and their Canadian mentors. "I asked all of the Afghan soldiers I met why they joined the army. They all replied that they wanted to defend their country," said Admiral Stavridis.
Admiral Stavridis also met Lt. Gen. David Rodriguez, Commander of ISAF Joint Command, Col. Dimitrios Pantelatos, North Kabul International Airport commander, and Sgt. Maj. Darrin Bohn, IJC command sergeant major. The IJC leaders discussed progress of current operations in southern Afghanistan and Afghan-led preparations for the upcoming Consultative Peace Jirga.
"The Afghan flag flies in many provinces; last year that could not be said. General [Stanley] McChrystal and General Rodriguez are hard at work, planning joint operations day-by-day and step-by-step in complete partnership with, and respect for, the Afghan government." he said.
Before departing Kabul, he met with Afghan media. The topics of discussion ranged from Afghan and ISAF operations for security of the people of Afghanistan to the progression of ongoing operations throughout the region, as well as upcoming plans.
"The most important thing I will say today is: we will not deliver peace and security from the barrel of a gun," he said. "I am not concerned with killing Taliban, but I am concerned with protecting the Afghan people."
Admiral Stavridis is the 16th SACEUR and the first admiral to hold this title.
| Date Taken: | 05.27.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 05.27.2010 14:33 |
| Story ID: | 50376 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 278 |
| Downloads: | 246 |
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