NATO to Assume Command of ISAF in Kabul August 11

NATO to Assume Command of ISAF in Kabul August 11

Stresses commitment to International Security Assistance Force

On August 11, NATO will assume command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul, which has been under the leadership of Germany and The Netherlands.

"NATO's commitment to the ISAF mission is a reflection of our transformation agenda and the Alliance's resolve to address the new security challenges of the 21st century," said a NATO press release.

Following is the press release: NATO Press Releases

NATO TO ASSUME COMMAND OF THE INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE FORCE (ISAF) IN KABUL ON MONDAY, 11 AUGUST 2003

Following a change of command ceremony on Monday, 11 August 2003 in Kabul, NATO will assume strategic command, control and coordination of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), currently under leadership of Germany and The Netherlands.

This important event, resulting from the 16 April 2003 decision of the North Atlantic Council, underscores the long-term commitment of all NATO Allies to stability and security for the Afghan people.

NATO is particularly grateful for the outstanding German and Dutch contribution in the context of ISAF III. The Alliance also thanks all of those nations which have decided to contribute to ISAF under NATO's leadership.

ISAF's name and mission will not change. NATO will work within the same United Nations mandate as ISAF III and will operate according to current and future UN resolutions.

NATO's commitment to the ISAF mission is a reflection of our transformation agenda and the Alliance's resolve to address the new security challenges of the 21st century.

The Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General James Jones, has appointed the German Army Lieutenant-General Götz Gliemeroth as ISAF Commander and Canadian Army Major-General Andrew Leslie as the ISAF Deputy Commander.

At the change of command ceremony in Kabul, NATO will be represented by the Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Alessandro Minuto Rizzo, and by SACEUR.

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