Hagel Welcomes Karzai’s Commitment in Detention Facility Pact

American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, March 24, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel called Afghan President Hamid Karzai yesterday after an agreement was reached to transfer control of the Parwan detention facility to the Afghan government tomorrow, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little reported. In a statement released after the call, Little said the agreement follows an intensified round of discussions between U.S. and Afghan officials. “The secretary welcomed President Karzai's commitment that the transfer will be carried out in a way that ensures the safety of the Afghan people and coalition forces by keeping dangerous individuals detained in a secure and humane manner in accordance with Afghan law,” Little said. Hagel also appreciates the hard work of all of those on both sides who worked to finalize the agreement, Little added. A memo of understanding signed in March 2012 set the transfer in motion. Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan at the time, called the memo “an important step forward in our strategic partnership negotiations.”