February 10, Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) US Gen David H. Petraeus and a delegation ISAF representatives visited base of the Lithuanian-led Chaghcharan PRT in Afghanistan. The visit was aimed at familiarizing with activities of the Lithuanian-led Chaghcharan PRT, present security situation in the region, progress of the Peace and Reintegration programme in Afghanistan, also meeting the new Governor of Ghor.
The meeting was also attended by the Head of the Lithuanian Special Mission in Afghanistan Valteris Baliukonis, Regional Command-West (supervising Chaghcharan PRT) Commander Italian Brig. Gen. Marcello Bellacicco and other ISAF representatives.
PRT Commander Col Remigijus Baltrėnas represented to Gen D. Petraeus security situation in the region, multinational structure and activities of Chaghcharan PRT, and its multinational partners. A highlight in the presentation of activity was placed on ensuring security of civilians on development cooperation projects in the province, cooperation with Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and local authorities, support in implementation of Afghanistan's Peace and Reintegration programme.
At the PRT base Gen D. Petraeus also met with the new Governor of Ghor Dr. Aqahi Abdullah Heiwad and commanding officials of the Afghan National Security Forces in Ghor with whom he discussed points of cooperation between ASNF and ISAF, and also the activity of the ANSF company recently deployed in Ghor.
In the meeting the Governor also stressed that via close cooperation Afghan forces and the Lithuanian-led PRT managed to stabilize security situation in the province, implementation of the Peace and Reintegration programme is gaining pace, however, support from the international partners was still needed to achieve the tasked goals.
Gen D. Petraeus also stressed the significance of cooperation among Ghor administration, ANSF in the province and Chaghcharan PRT for achieving tangible results. „Your success is a common success of us all," Gen D. Petraeus said.
In the meeting activities of development cooperation in the province and possibilities of completing new projects were also addressed.
The Lithuanian-led PRT in Ghor is a joint civilian-military mission, a part of NATO's ISAF that was launched in Ghor in summer of 2005. The main task of the mission is to help Government of Afghanistan to extend authority in the province, ensure security and create environment for provincial reconstruction. Prerequisites for the allied forces deployed in Afghanistan to finish the mission will be provided as soon as the country's National Security Forces are able to ensure security of the country and its people independently. In the present period major attention is paid to the projects of training and preparation of Afghan National Security Forces.
PRT-12 is formed mainly of troops of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Algirdas Mechanised Infantry Battalion providing personnel for the ISAF mission in Ghor for a second time.
Representatives of Denmark, Georgia, Japan, USA, and Ukraine are deployed for service at the base of the Lithuanian-led PRT together with Lithuanian personnel. The team of the EU Police Mission (EUPOL) in Afghanistan is based at the PRT camp and includes Ukrainian and Finish representatives along with the Lithuanian personnel.
