U.S., Afghanistan Agree to Turnover of Parwan Detention Facility

From an International Security Assistance Force News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 9, 2012 – An agreement signed here today sets in motion the transfer of the detention facility in Parwan, Afghanistan, to Afghan control.

Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan, and Afghan Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak signed a memorandum that Allen called “an important step forward in our strategic partnership negotiations.”

The agreement, the general said, is in keeping with recommendations of a national meeting of Afghan elders and community leaders conducted in the fall and the desires of Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

"It is yet another example of the progress of transition, and our efforts to ensure that Afghanistan can never again be a safe haven for terrorists," Allen added. "I want to thank President Karzai and Minister Wardak for their leadership and their counsel throughout this process."

As part of the transition process, Afghanistan will implement a legal framework to ensure the humane and secure detention of persons who threaten the people of Afghanistan, in accordance with international humanitarian law, International Security Assistance Force officials said. The memorandum of understanding would transfer management of the detention facility as soon as the Afghans appoint a commander of detention operations.

This first step is part of a process that will give the Afghan defense ministry full control of the facility within six months while protecting U.S. international and domestic legal obligations regarding detainees, officials said. Under the agreement’s terms, the United States would provide ongoing support and advice to the Afghan commander for up to a year.