CHAGHCHARAN, Afghanistan– The Afghan National Security Forces assumed yesterday the leadership on security operations in four districts of the western province of Ghor. The formal transition from ISAF to Afghan forces took place in a ceremony held at the base of the Lithuanian Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Chaghcharan. The four districts - Chaghcharan, Lal Wa Sarjangal, Dowlatyar and Chaharsada – are inhabited by more than 80 percent of the population in the province.
An official document certifying the responsibility for security transference to ANSF was signed by the provincial governor, the Afghan National Army Kandak (battalion) commander, the provincial chief of the police and the PRT Chaghcharan commanding officer. The complete take-over of responsibility for the security of the entire province will be fully completed within the next six months as the Lithuanian-led Provincial Reconstruction Team will complete its mission by the end of 2013.
The ceremony was attended by Mr. Sayed Anwar Rahmati, provincial governor of Ghor, U.S. Consul Jillian Burns, Col. Valentino De Simone from ISAF Regional Command West, the European Union Special Representative Mr. Vygaudas Usackas and Col. Linas Kubilius, the commanding officer of the Lithuanian PRT, in addition to other provincial and coalition leaders.
“Gov. Rahmati and Ghor provincial government, all ANSF forces, as well as Colonel Kubilius and RC-West ISAF forces should be proud that Ghor has reached this important milestone” said U.S. Consul Jillian Burns.
“Today, the people of Ghor, provincial ANSF and ISAF, together with the Lithuanian-led PRT, have taken another important step forward” said Gov. Sayed Anwar Rahmati. “This day is important for everyone - both for the military and for civilians, as we all work together for the better future of the Afghan republic. Our security forces are now ready to take over full responsibility for the security of Ghor province. However, I hope that even after the withdrawal of the Lithuanian-led PRT, we will continue our cooperation with ISAF and civilian organizations in the development of Ghor province and raising the professionalism of ANSF.”
In his speech, Col. Linas Kubilius said: “We can all be proud of today's common security and good governance situation in the province. The PRT will continue to fulfill its tasks, but soon the day will come when we will accomplish our mission and we will leave Ghor province. For many years we have been partners, advisers and brothers in arms, we not only shared, but we also gained lots of experience from each other. I sincerely believe that we will leave Ghor province a safer and better place to live where the people of Ghor will feel safe and confident in the ANSF hands, in the hand of professionals.”
Mr. V. Usackas while giving his speech assured that even after ISAF forces accomplish their mission in Afghanistan, the EU will continue active cooperation with the Afghan government focusing on the country's economic and security development. He also said that a long-term contract between the EU and the GIRoA will soon be signed, which will provide detail conditions of cooperation for the next 10 years.