Text fwd: Afghanistan: NATO's 42-Nation War Coalition

* Informed in StopNATO*

* Image source*
same as the original article below

http://www.nato.int/shape/news/2009/03/090318a.html
NATO International
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
March 18, 2009

SACEUR and other NATO and Troop Contributing Nation’s leaders visit Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan — General John Craddock, Supreme Allied Commander Europe,
completed a three day visit to the International Security Assistance Force
(ISAF), today, hosting NATO’s Secretary General, along with Ambassadors and
representatives of the 42 countries that make up ISAF and the Chairman of the
NATO Military Committee.

During the visit, Craddock met with ISAF and Afghanistan government officials,
visited the facilities in Chaghcharan and Q’ala-e-Now, and received
operational updates from the commanders and civilian leadership.

“This was a very timely visit,” said Craddock, “providing us with the
opportunity to meet with key leaders and discuss the important issues which
affect Afghanistan’s security sector progress and the drive towards
self-sufficiency.”

The delegation visiting Afghanistan was divided into several groups and provided
an opportunity to visit and interact with the troops at all five regional
commands.

“It is important to get the perspective of the commanders and troops on the
ground,” Craddock said. “These types of trips are vital for NATO’s
leaders to make informed decisions and to be able to sift through the various
reports coming out of Afghanistan.”

“By getting down to the operational and tactical level, talking with the
leaders immersed on the ground every day, we get a much clearer appreciation of
what is going on,” he said. “I think this is vital for the leaders of NATO
to make informed decisions.”

Contact Information for Allied Command Operations Public Affairs Office at SHAPE
Tel: +32 (0)65 44 4119 (week days 08.30 – 17.30)
Mobile: +32 (0)475 77 31 05 (week days 08.30 –17.30, weekends and holidays)
shapepao@shape.nato.int - www.nato.int/shape

===========================
Stop NATO

* Related article*
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/stopnato/message/38039
Britain Pushes Expansion Of Global NATO Under Article 5 War Clause