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| Updated: 19-Jun-2007 | Speaking Notes |
Statement by ISAF spokesperson
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (28 February)- At the request of the Government of Afghanistan, ISAF forces in the south of Afghanistan have begun preparations to improve the quality of life for Afghans living in Northern Helmand. The communities want to work with the Government of Afghanistan in providing a viable alternative to the intimidation and brutality that they are enduring under the control of Taliban extremists. Currently ordinary Afghans in several areas of Helmand Province are trapped between Taliban extremists, foreign fighters, and established drug lords, whose illegal activities support and reinforce anti-government elements. Recent discussions with the Government of Afghanistan, including the Governor of Helmand Province, have highlighted the aspiration of the population of this area to break free from this malignant and corrupt situation. The honest and ordinary people want to reclaim their communities under the leadership of their local elders, in line with Afghan traditions. Indeed, many of these oppressed people want to see the establishment of similar economic development that has clearly benefited other parts of Helmand and Afghanistan as a whole. This development has proven difficult so far in Northern Helmand, because the Taliban extremists and their narco-trafficking cohorts actively obstruct development. They know that the Government’s good intentions offer communities legitimate alternatives to the illegal and immoral conditions the enemies of Afghanistan have forced upon the good people of Helmand. ISAF wishes to reiterate its commitment to work with the Government of Afghanistan to bring security and stability to all of the people of Afghanistan. We will work with the Afghan National Security Forces to support the Government’s plans to eliminate the extremists’ corrosive influence over ordinary Afghans. This in turn will help to set the conditions for reconstruction and economic development to which these communities aspire. Contact Information:
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