October 28, the new RC-W Commander Brig Gen Marcello Bellacicco who has replaced Brig Gen Claudio Berto formerly in charge of the western region of operations paid a visit to Ghor province protected by the Lithuanian-led PRT. During the visit the guests were escorted by Gen Shazada, Commander ANA West Region 207th Corps, and Gen Majid Rozzir, Commander of ANP Regional Command West.
The delegation met with Commander PRT-11 Col Gintaras Smaliukas, Col Remigijus Baltrėnas, Commander of PRT-12 that was deployed to Ghor yesterday, Head of PRT Civilian Component Linas Linkevičius, Governor of Ghor Sayed Mohammad Iqbal Munib, and leadership of provincial police and National Security Department.
In the meeting Commander PRT-11 Col G. Smaliukas presented to the guests tasks undertaken by PRT troops and current security situation in the province, he also briefed them on the areas in the province causing the most of security concerns.
„Ghor need more attention from the Government and efforts to hand over responsibility for security in the province for the Afghan National Security Forces", said Col G. Smaliukas.
Agreeing with PRT representative Governor of Ghor also stressed that support from the Central Government was essential to the province, and ANSF at hand were not sufficient to ensure security in Ghor.
Gen Shazada, Commander ANA West Region 207th Corps, said that it was likely that units of national army would be deployed in Ghor in the nearest future. „We will be looking together with the NATO-led multinational forces for the best ways to improve security situation because only that could allow local government to win trust of local population and operate in a relevant manner ", said Gen Shazada.
The Lithuanian-led Provincial Reconstruction Team of Ghor province is a part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Lithuania established a PRT in Ghor in summer of 2005. The fundamental mission of PRT is helping Government of Afghanistan to extend its authority in Afghanistan, ensure security and provide conditions 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 in the framework of the new NATO ISAF strategy in Afghanistan. In November a Lithuania-led joint Police Operational Mentor and Liaison Team will be deployed to Ghor.
The 11th shift of the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT-11) currently ensuring security in Ghor is based on the Lithuanian Grand Duke Kęstutis stationed in Tauragė Distr.). In November they will be replaced by the 12th shift of Chaghcharan Provincial Reconstruction Team formed on the basis of Lithuanian Grand Duke Algirdas Mechanised Infantry Battalion.
