Commander Praises Afghan Forces' Efforts During Kabul Meetings

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2010 - A senior U.S. military commander in Afghanistan praised the work performed by Afghan security forces during the international meetings held in Kabul July 20.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. David M. Rodriguez, the NATO International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Commander, in a statement issued today commended the Afghan forces "for their successful planning and execution of security measures for the Kabul International Donor Conference."

"In spite of their best but futile efforts, insurgents failed to disrupt the conference," Rodriguez's statement continued. "That achievement is a direct result of Afghans leading Afghans, protecting Afghans. The security forces demonstrated a tireless commitment to the welfare of their nation and its people."

And, due to the work of Afghan soldiers, police, and agents of the National Directorate of Security, the general added, Afghanistan "will continue to benefit from the strengthened partnerships and enduring commitments of the international community."

The Afghan National Security Forces and the National Directorate of Security, Rodriguez stated, have "set a new standard in inter-agency communication, cooperation, and operations."

Some people, the general wrote, have questioned Afghanistan's potential to succeed, while others may believe that Afghanistan might fall back under the insurgents' control.

"Those people fail to take into account the courage, commitment, and resilience of the Afghan people who are ready to chart their own future and reject the pain and suffering that the insurgents represent," Rodriguez stated.

Those doubters, he added, also "fail to take into account the international community's commitment to a long-term partnership with Afghanistan, a partnership that goes well-beyond security and promotes economic development and improves government capacity."

Rodriguez, who also is the deputy commander of U.S. Forces, Afghanistan, ended his statement by noting that all are honored to serve alongside Afghanistan's "courageous and professional" security forces.