Afghan forces will take over from NATO in seven areas

(BRUSSELS2) Seven areas considered safe will be entrusted by the international forces deployed in Afghanistan to the Afghan security forces, from July 1, according to the list approved by the Afghan President, Karzai, and the international coalition. These are the province of Kabul (except the district of Surobi where the French work), Panjshir and Bamiyan, the cities of Herat (province of Herat) in the West, Mazar-e Sharif (province of Balkh) in the North, Mehterlam (province of Laghman) in the East, Lashkar Gah (province of Helmand).

This decision follows "to months of close consultation and planning between the Afghan government and ISAF" we say to NATO. The transition follows a four-step process across all areas of security, governance, development and the rule of law. The progression in all these stages is "dictated by field conditions, and the ability Afghan security forces and civilian institutions to take on more responsibilities." It takes up to 18 months in a given region. In the seven areas involved, NATO has agreed that it is possible to move to phase 4.

Operations in other areas remain in phase 3 - stabilization. The Joint Transition Committee (Intequal*) NATO-Afghan Authorities (JANIB)”will consider other transitional districts and provinces in the second half of 2011".

* Inteqal means: transition in Dari as in Pashtun