AFGHANISTAN FORMALLY UNDERTAKES COMBAT LEAD FROM NATO TROOPS

Kabul, 9 Sha’ban 1434/18 June 2013 (MINA) – The transition of over all combat operations and responsibilities from NATO troops to Afghan national security forces formally started in capital Kabul on Tuesday morning.

The ceremony attended by Afghan president Hamid Karzai, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, ISAF commander Gen. Joseph Dunford, a number of high level government and foreign officials and including a number of other local officials.

President Hamid Karzai said Afghanistan has given major sacrifices in war against during the past 11 years, Khaama Press quoted by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

“Afghanistan’s relation with the NATo member countries will enter a new phase beyond 2014,” Karzai said.

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He urged the international community specifically the NATO member countries to assist Afghan national security forces and equip them with the modern military equipments.

In parts of his speech president Karzai called on the newly elected prime minister of Pakistan to take practical steps in war against militants safe havens in Pakistan.

NATO Secretary General, Rasmussen said that NATO welcomes the announcement of fifth and final phase of security transition from coalition forces to Afghan national security forces.

“I welcome President Karzai’s announcement of the fifth and final group of Afghan provinces, cities and districts to undergo transition in the coming months. This decision marks an important milestone, when Afghan soldiers and police will take the lead for security across the country,” Rasmussen said.

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ISAF’s role will shift from combat to support. ISAF will no longer plan, execute or lead combat operations. By the end of 2014 ISAF combat mission will be completed, and a new mission will begin.

Together with partners, ISAF are planning to continue to train, advise and assist the Afghan forces. And NATO will also play its part in the broader international efforts to ensure the long-term sustainment of the Afghan security forces. NATO and Afghanistan, along with partners, will continue in collaborate.

The transition of combat operations to Afghan national security forces takes place amid concerns regarding the lack of modern military equipments which threats Afghan security forces to properly control the security situation across the country after NATO combat troops leave Afghanistan. (T/P09/E1).

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Mi’raj News Agency (MINA).