Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Kabul (BNA) The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for surrendering the foreign military facilities is working based on a mechanism and insists that the program should be implemented in a specific framework.
BNA commentator writes:
The withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan has been scheduled by the end of 2014. The international forces during their 11 year presence in Afghanistan have built numerous military bases and facilities both inside the cities and remote places. Putting these bases and properties at disposal of Afghan security forces, somewhat removes the requirements of Afghan police and national army.
Although, NATO and coalition forces have not specified the number of their military establishments in Afghanistan but the security authorities of the country have acknowledged that so far 104 foreign military bases and facilities have been put at disposal of Afghan security forces and the process is going on.
The main point here is the quantity, efficiency and finally protection of these military facilities which are at focus of media now.
While a number of the bases had been built temporally and because of using for several years their dates have been expired. For instance, When the Bamyan province authorizes learnt that some foreign military bases have been handed over to Afghans, wanted to use them as schools, unfortunately they were too old and ruined to be used as a school. On the other hand there are reports that foreign forces have destroyed their military bases and establishments because of their remoteness from the capitals of the provinces, dangerous geographical location or due to unawareness of Afghan security forces about the technology of weapons and military instruments used in those bases, although, the reports have not been confirmed officially, but it is a matter to be discussed.
The international community is committed for equipping Afghan military and security forces, so handing over the military bases and establishment can be considered a part of the committed program. It should be pointed out that the Afghan security forces need useable facilities.
The third phase of handing over of security responsibilities to Afghan security force has completed successfully and preparation for the implementation of the fourth phase is underway. The Afghan security forces are committed to carry out their duties in most remote areas particularly border areas of the country. Considering the Afghan forces commitments and readiness for accepting security responsibilities, justify putting at disposal of them, the military installations located in most remote areas.
Therefore, any pretext regarding to handing over foreign military installations to Afghan security is unacceptable. Also, unawareness of Afghan security forces about the technology used in some military bases and facilities cannot be a reason for avoiding handing over the military installations to Afghan security forces, because the international community especially the western countries have committed to train Afghan military and security forces according to international standards. Therefore based on their commitments, it is the duty of international forces, to train Afghan forces to use properly the technologies used in military bases and facilities. So, the decision of National Security Council regarding to handing over the foreign military installations in the country to Afghan forces is justifiable and based on realism to be carried out in specific framework.
A number of countries consider putting their military installations at the disposal of Afghan forces as an aid to Afghan people while our people believe in equipped and efficient military and security forces of their country.
Written By: Khalil Menawi BNA Director
