ISAF Gives Parwan Prison to Afghanistan

General John R. Allen, commander of both United States Forces Afghanistan and the International Security Assistance Force, and Afghan Minister of Defense Abdul Rahim Wardak signed an agreement today that sets in motion the transfer of the Detention Facility in Parwan (DFIP).

"The signing of this memorandum is an important step forward in our Strategic Partnership negotiations and very much in keeping with both the Loya Jirga's recommendations and the desires of President Karzai," Allen said.

"It is yet another example of the progress of transition, and our efforts to ensure that Afghanistan can never again be a safe haven for terrorists," Allen added. "I want to thank President Karzai and Minister Wardak for their leadership and their counsel throughout this process."

As part of the transition process, Afghanistan will implement a legal framework to ensure the humane and secure detention of persons who threaten the people of Afghanistan, in accordance with international humanitarian law. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) would transfer management of the DFIP as soon as the Afghans appoint a commander of detention operations. This first step is a process that will give the Afghan Ministry of Defense full control of the DFIP within six months while protecting U.S. international and domestic legal obligations regarding detainees. Under the terms of the MOU, the U.S. would provide ongoing support and advice to the Afghan commander for up to a year.

By signing this agreement, both the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the United States reaffirmed that they are to continue to cooperate in further developing Afghanistan's capacity to ensure secure and humane administrative detention operations.

Following the signing today of the memorandum of understanding for the transfer of the Detention Facility in Parwan, Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces - Afghanistan, made the following statement:

"The signing of this memorandum of understanding is a very important day for Afghanistan. Not only have we agreed to the transfer of the Detention Facility in Parwan, but it also exemplifies that Afghanistan and the United States are committed to a strategic partnership. This is a message of peace and stability for the region. It is also a message for the Taliban: Your options are getting fewer and fewer. The time is now to join the peace process and be part of the future of Afghanistan."

During the signing ceremony, Gen. Allen added, "The men and women of the International Security Assistance Force join me in reaffirming our commitment to the people of Afghanistan ... to their sovereignty, to the rule of law, and to the ultimate transition of security responsibilities to the Afghan National Security Forces."

By signing this agreement, both the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the United States reaffirmed their continued cooperation in further developing Afghanistan's capacity to ensure secure and humane administrative detention operations.