8aug03

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NATO to assume command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)

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Following a change of command ceremony on Monday, 11 August 2003 in Kabul, NATO will assume strategic command, control and coordination of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), currently under leadership of Germany and The Netherlands.

This important event, resulting from the 16 April 2003 decision of the North Atlantic Council, underscores the long-term commitment of all NATO Allies to stability and security for the Afghan people.

NATO is particularly grateful for the outstanding German and Dutch contribution in the context of ISAF III. The Alliance also thanks all of those nations which have decided to contribute to ISAF under NATO's leadership.

ISAF's name and mission will not change. NATO will work within the same United Nations mandate as ISAF III and will operate according to current and future UN resolutions.

NATO's commitment to the ISAF mission is a reflection of our transformation agenda and the Alliance's resolve to address the new security challenges of the 21st century.

The Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General James Jones, has appointed the German Army Lieutenant-General Götz Gliemeroth as ISAF Commander and Canadian Army Major-General Andrew Leslie as the ISAF Deputy Commander.

At the change of command ceremony in Kabul, NATO will be represented by the Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Alessandro Minuto Rizzo, and by SACEUR.

[Source: NATO International, 08aug03]

This document has been published on 24aug03 by the Equipo Nizkor and Derechos Human Rights, in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.