ISAF Press Conference

Mr. Bashary:  Welcome formalities.  He explains the new restructuring of police districts and reporting procedures between district chiefs and Kabul Chief of Police.  Describes Eid security preparations—5,000 ANSF on the streets within Kabul for Eid.  There is a QRF on stand by.  Asks media to distribute new police district telephone numbers.  Asks public to cooperate with police and report any suspicious activity.
Talks about incident in which Moslem cleric was killed in a mosque in Wardak Province.  Says Taliban claims of only targeting Afghan government and ISAF not true—civilians are the prime victims.

Maj. Anthony opening statement.

Q1: Was a deal made between GoIRA and Taliban for release of German hostage?
A1: (Bashary) I can confirm that no deal was struck.  There is no truth that the government released Taliban prisoners for the German hostage and his Afghan co-workers who were kidnapped.

Q2: What about the 15 prisoners who were recently executed and any comments on the one prisoner who escaped?
A2: (Bashary) This is not an MOI issue.  I can’t speak about what happens to detainees after we turn them over to the prosecutors.  Please talk to the Judiciary.

Q3: Another question on rumored hostage swap. 
A3: (Bashary) Again, MOI has no authority to release anyone.  Ministry of Anti-Terrorism has the lead on this.

Q4: What is ISAF doing security-wise for Eid, specifically in the capitol?
A4:  (Anthony) ANSF has the lead.  ISAF in support. ISAF not doing too many visible patrols in capitol but is assisting with training and equipping.

Q5: What about the rumors of bomb factories in Kabul or are bombs being made outside the city and brought in?
A5: (Anthony) We recently discovered at least one bomb factory in Kabul and we’ve made progress in stopping a few suicide bombers before they’ve struck.  I wouldn’t be able to say however, what percentage of suicide bombs are made outside the city and brought in.

Q6: Can you tell us more about the incident in Wardak in which someone was shot near an oil tanker?
A6: (Bashary) I don’t have any confirmation on that.

Q7: Again, about the German hostage, are you sure there was no exchange?
A7: (Bashary): Again, there was no exchange.  We worked with village elders and others...

Q8:  Can you tell us more about the security situation in Kabul for Eid?
A8:  Again, there will be 5,000 ANSF out in force.  We have also beefed up forces in the outlying districts.  We have many forces on duty around the clock.  We are very hopeful for a happy Eid.

Q9: Will ISAF have soldiers at Kabul checkpoints?
A9: (Anthony) Again, ISAF is here in support.  ANSF will be manning the check points for the most part.  The best security force is an indigenous security force.

Q10: Same question as nine, but asked in Pashto, not Dari…
A10: (Bashary) MOI, ANP will lead and ISAF will support if we ask for it.

Q11: Taliban says there are 80 suicide bombers in Kabul and they will strike during Eid.  Your comments?
A11: (Anthony) The Taliban make many claims and we have to take those claims seriously, however, the Taliban have a track record of saying they’ll do something and not actually doing it.  They say one thing and do another.  I wouldn’t put too much credence in the Taliban propaganda machine.