Toespraak bij commando-overdracht Uruzgan

Toespraak | 01-08-2010

Mr Governor, ambassadors, generals, dear guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Four years of Dutch ISAF command in Uruzgan have led to a significant improvement of the security, governance and socio-economic development in this province. These years have also had an important impact on the Dutch society, considering the number of fellow citizens involved in the mission and the sacrifices of those that gave their lives or face the consequences of their mission on a daily basis. Before you stands a man with mixed feelings. On the one hand side I am proud to say that thanks to the contributions of eight Task Forces and their Afghan counterparts, nowadays, the majority of the population in Uruzgan has safe living conditions with better health services, education and trade opportunities. On the other hand it is hard to say farewell, knowing that there is still a lot to do, being reassured however by the fact that our American and Australian coalition partners will continue the mission with a shared vision on development and governance.

In 2006 it was obvious that there could be no development without security but also no security without development. “Act as civilian as possible and military if needed” was an important motto. The Uruzgan model consisting of an integrated approach of defense, diplomacy and development which mutually reinforce each other was the leading principle. An inkspot strategy was applied, expanding step by step the secure zones in the populated areas. Putting the protection of the local nationals in the first place and trying to bolster support for the government. All this on the basis of respect for the local culture and genuine interest in the tribal relations and circumstances in this great province. The famous Afghan tradition of shuras and jirgas was close to our heart. It very much resembles the consensus culture of our own polder model. We felt sincerely at home here in Uruzgan amongst the Afghan population.

Mr Governor, I am very pleased that a new civilian-led international PRT in Uruzgan together with our Afghan partners will continue to stimulate economic and social development and promote political and tribal balance. The challenge will be to further assist you in strengthening the formal institutions of governance at provincial and district levels, aiming at full Afghan leadership and responsibility. There is an urgent need to have a transparent and accountable system in order to attract support and discharge the governments’ responsibility towards its Afghan citizens. Strenghtening the rule of law and fighting the culture of impunity and corruption is essential in order to raise the trust of the population in its own government.

A moment like this also allows us to look back in time. The results of the fruitful cooperation with the Afghan government, NGO’s and international community in Uruzgan are manyfold. The Afghan National Security Forces contribute importantly to the security in and around the populated areas of Tarin Kowt, Deh Rawod and Chora, covering some 70% percent of the provincial population. They are better trained and the coordination of their activities takes place in the provincial operational coordination center. Nowadays, Uruzgan is a safer and more stable place to be in, although the security situation remains fragile. Access to basic health services including the availability of midwives and maternity care facilities, has improved enormously for all Uruzganis. Strengthening the position of women and girls remains a challenge, that calls for urgent unity of effort of all Afghans. As compared to 2002 the number of children, both girls and boys, going to school has risen four fold to 53000 and the number of schools has doubled to 179. We all have to salute Afghan pupils for their thirst for knowledge and skills. It just takes a visit to an elementary school here in TK to understand that an investment in their education and skills represents an irreversible investment into the future of this country. Numerous infrastructure improvements have been accomplished like bridges, roads, pumps, irrigation schemes and kareshes. Alternative livelihoods like saffron, fruit trees, almonds and pistache were introduced in order to reduce farmers’ dependency on poppy production. To further stimulate the economy, work has been diligently done to create a market environment for businesses at the bazaars to grow, and for farmers to produce and sell their products. Uruzgan has been linked to the outer world through a KamAir flight connection and a civil terminal is about to be constructed. The fact that currently some 50 IO’s and NGO’s are active in this province is a clear indicator of the stability but also of the accessibility of the province. I take pride in the fact that the last Task Force rotation accomplished the first 16 km of the road from TK to Chora. It has a positive psychological effect, increased freedom of movement and generates an economic spin off. All in all, it is fair to conclude that a foundation has been laid down in Uruzgan and that now the time is ripe to start building up the house. And yes, there are still quite some challenges. Nevertheless, I truly believe that the glass is not half empty, but half full.

Ladies and gentlemen, soon the Dutch lead role in this province will be part of history. However, the Netherlands remains committed to be involved in Uruzgan’s future through development activities at the national and provincial level, assistance to local governance, civilian presence in the PRT and military support to the ISAF mission. I wish my Australian successor Bernard Philip and his international team the same level of commitment, creativity and perseverance as I have witnissed in our team. Bernard and Jim, I am confident that given your dedication, patience and broad experience you will be able to make a difference in this province. To my colleagues in the PRT, civilians, diplomats and soldiers, who stood shoulder to shoulder under challenging circumstances together with their Afghan counterparts I express my gratitude. The Netherlands can be proud of the tangible results of the PRT!

Finally, I hope that our successors will have the opportunity to enjoy Afghanistan’s untapped potential, its human, agricultural and natural resources and magnificent cultural heritage. These rich aspects of life enable the people of Uruzgan to regain hope and confidence and renew their vision for achieving prosperity and peace. The people of Uruzgan deserve a safe environment and better future in which all citizens can flourish regardless of ethnic affiliations or gender.

Thank you.