Kandahar set for security switch: Gass

KANDAHAR CITY (PAN’s senior civilian representative on Monday said Afghan forces in southern Kandahar province were all set for security transition.

Ambassador Simon Gass told a joint press conference with Kandahar Mayor Mohammad Omar the strength of local forces had increased and they were ready to take over the security responsibility from their international counterparts.

He said it was a matter of pride for Afghans that their forces had the ability to maintain security on their own. Gass concluded from a meeting with local officials that Afghan forces were prepared for the challenge.

The ambassador said NATO would continue to assist Afghanistan was willing to keep supporting Afghanistan.

About security operations, the envoy said the global fraternity and the US wanted to bring civilian casualties to zero. He added they were trying to reduce civilian casualties, which dropped last year.

Gass arrived in Kandahar City a day after Security Transition Commission Chairman Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadi travelled to the province, Taliban’s birthplace.

Ghani said the situation in Kandahar was different from other provinces and basic problems should be considered during each phase of transition.

ma/mud

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