Australian vows help beyond security switch

KABUL mission.

According to a statement from the NATO-led force, during his visits to Tirinkot and Kabul, he conferred with his interlocutors the transfer of Uruzgan’s security responsibility to the Afghan National Army’s (ANA) 4th Brigade.

“In Uruzgan, Afghan forces have responded to the insurgency with growing confidence and increasing coordination throughout 2013. This was expected, however, it is very pleasing to see it being executing so effectively,” Lt. Gen. Power remarked.

Even after security transition in Uruzgan, Australia said it would remain committed to ISAF and Afghanistan by advising the Afghan forces, as they develop their command and logistics capabilities, and by providing institutional training.

ISAF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Heinz Feldmann said Australian forces had made vital contributions in beefing up for Afghans their security, stability and future prosperity.

“We look forward to Australia’s continued support for the NATO mission to ensure Afghanistan does not again become a safe haven for terrorists and a training ground to threaten others across the world,” said Gen. Feldmann.

The Australian government has indicated its intent to make a contribution to this mission, including through the Afghan National Army Officer Academy in Kabul.

“In the very near future, too, along with the United Kingdom and our New Zealand partners, we will start in earnest our commitment to educating the ANA’s future leaders at the Afghan National Army Officer Academy,” Power said.

mud/pr

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