GEN Allen & Ambassador Crocker congratulate new Parwan Facility commander

KABUL, Afghanistan (Apr. 1, 2012) — The commander of U.S. Forces – Afghanistan and International Security Assistance Force, Gen. John R. Allen, and Ambassador Ryan Crocker, extend their sincere congratulations to Maj. Gen. Faroq Barekzai on his assumption of command at the Afghan Detention Operations Command at Parwan during a ceremony April 1.

President Hamid Karzai appointed Barekzai March 28 as the chief commander of Afghan military police and leading in-charge for transfer of the Afghan National Detention Facility Parwan and other foreign-run detention centers.

“Today’s event is nothing short of monumental when looking at the significance of Maj. Gen. Barekzai’s assumption of command and the responsibilities he assumes for the Afghan people and his nation’s justice system,” Allen said. “This is a symbolic and visible step marking the progress we continue to make in partnership with the Afghan government as we work to develop and uphold the sovereignty they rightfully deserve.”

The assumption of command ceremony is the first step of the process that gives the Afghan defense ministry full control of the detention facility as agreed within six months, while protecting U.S., international and domestic legal obligations regarding detainees. Under the terms of a memorandum of understanding signed March 9, the U.S. will provide ongoing support and advice to the Afghan commander for up to a year.

“This assumption of command marks another step in the transition to Afghan control of security and is a sign of our support for Afghan sovereignty, as well as our commitment to an enduring partnership,” Crocker said.

U.S. Forces – Afghanistan will continue to work closely with our Afghan partners as they achieve the capability required to sustain sovereignty, to continue to promote the rule of law, and ultimately transition all security responsibilities to the Afghan National Security Forces.

 

 

 

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