Allen Welcomes Latest Stage of Afghanistan Transition

From an International Security Assistance Force News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 28, 2011 – The International Security Assistance Force welcomes the release of the Afghan government’s list of areas intended for the second stage of security transition, Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, ISAF commander, said in a statement released yesterday.

“Transition is a reality, and it is a path for the future success of this country and the Afghan people,” Allen said. "There is no doubt that Afghanistan is moving forward, and with the announcement by President [Hamid] Karzai of the second group of transition areas, the Afghan national security forces, who have made dramatic improvements in their development and effectiveness, will assume responsibility for security for 50 percent of the Afghan population.”

The list of areas intended for the second tranche of transition, officials said. Some comprise entire provinces, while others cover city or district areas.

Ambassador Simon Gass, NATO’s senior civilian representative in Afghanistan, said the transition announcement is an important step forward for Afghanistan.

“I welcome President Karzai's announcement of the second group of areas to enter the transition process,” Gass said. “Transition is on schedule, and NATO will continue its efforts to ensure that the Afghans take security responsibility across the country by the end of 2014, in line with President Karzai's goal. This will be enabled by the growing capability and numbers of the Afghan Army and Afghan Police.”