Statement

on further national contributions to NATO’s ISAF mission by General John Craddock

Topics NATO in Afghanistan

Several NATO nations are increasing their contributions to NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission.

The Czech Republic is strengthening its contingent in Afghanistan. The number of Czech soldiers deployed in Afghanistan will increase from 120 to 225. The 6th Field Hospital will deploy to Afghanistan in March and an unspecified number of military police from a chemical warfare team will be sent to Afghanistan later this year.

Latvia will increase its troop presence from around 30 to 100 this year and 150 in 2008.

Lithuania, which already has 130 troops in Afghanistan, will deploy up to 55 Special Forces during summer 2007.

Slovakia will move the Slovak Engineer Unit comprising some 65 personnel from Kabul Airport to Kandahar Airport. Slovakia also announced the intention to deepen the future Slovak engagement in the PRT structure.

“These further contributions prove the long-term commitment of the nations. I am grateful for those who came forward and took a larger responsibility in support of the mission. I would like to thank the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia for sending more troops to Afghanistan. The offered forces and capabilities will further provide the Commander of ISAF with flexbility to fulfill his mission and reduce the risk to our troops in Afghanistan. These additional capabilities are a substantive step toward meeting our needs in theatre. We welcome any further contribution the nations make to the ISAF mission.”

"NATO ISAF and Afghan National Security Forces have proven from the out-set they are capable and ready to accept the challenges they face. We are going forward to set the conditions for further improvement, enabling the Government of Afghanistan, NATO and other international participants in the country to focus their efforts and resources on reconstruction and long-term development – a comprehensive approach!”