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    Romanian and U.S. military leaders praise security gains, partnership in Zabul

    ZABUL PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

    12.09.2011

    Story by Sgt. Frank O'Brien 

    116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

    ZABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Zabul provincial governor Mohammad Ashraf Naseri, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, commander, U.S. Army Europe, and Maj. Gen. Ariton Ionita, Romanian Land Forces commander, attended a transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Apache between the Romanian 2nd and 300th Battalions Dec. 9. Col. Blake C. Ortner, Combined Team Zabul commander with the Virginia Army National Guard 116th “Stonewall Brigade,” presided.

    “Afghans and ISAF have done an excellent job over the last year and a half,” said Naseri. “Our security has made a great leap forward. The Romanians have made excellent contributions – very important teamwork in Zabul – and a very good job protecting the highway which is the main priority of this government. We still have insurgents making attacks, but we are committed to working together to defeat the insurgents in Zabul.”

    Hertling continued the theme of partnership and addressed the future of NATO-ISAF-Afghan relations.

    “I couldn’t agree with you more, governor, about the stability of the province,” said Hertling. “These attacks strike at the dignity of the Afghan people. We stand alongside our friends in the Afghan and Romanian armies to discuss the future of our armed forces and our responsibilities to the province.”

    Ionita pointed out that the Romanians have been in Afghanistan supporting stabilization and security since 2002, having rotated more than 22 battalions through the country. Romanian troops typically serve a six-month tour.

    “All our efforts,” said Ionita, “have been for the stability of Afghanistan. I am convinced the 300th battalion will be as successful as the 2nd battalion."

    Ortner singled out the work of the 2nd battalion in partnering with the Afghan police and army for gains made in the stability of the province.

    “It’s not just about a military win,” said Ortner, “but about the stability and development of this country. Combined Team Zabul has demonstrated best what we can do here in Afghanistan as a coalition between Romanian, Afghan and U.S. troops.”

    Naseri echoed the theme of continued partnership with the international community.

    “The 3rd Battalion of our Afghan forces are now able to implement military operations where needed,” said Naseri. “Step by step the Afghans are making progress. We are committed as Afghans to taking ownership of our country.”

    While discussions about the future of the U.S. and NATO presence in Afghanistan were taking place thousands of miles away, Hertling took a moment to recognize the gains that have been made.

    “It is my privilege and pleasure to see the Afghan people reaching for the dignity, liberty and stability that they deserve,” said Hertling.

    After the formal transfer of authority ceremony by Romanian troops, tokens of appreciation were presented to the attendees.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 12.09.2011
    Date Posted: 12.15.2011 05:54
    Story ID: 81414
    Location: ZABUL PROVINCE, AF

    Web Views: 318
    Downloads: 1

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