RC-West, local Badghis elders participate in important Shura

HERAT, Afghanistan (Apr. 10) – Brig. Gen. Alessandro Veltri, the Commander of Regional Command West, took part in an important shura convened today by the governor of Badghis Province, Delbar Armam, to discuss the validity and the opportunity of new future actions to be performed in the area.

New projects will be designed in order to contribute to further extend government authority and influence in the province, through the reconstruction and development. Both goals will be reached through increasing involvement of authorities and local security forces in stabilization of the province.

The meeting was attended, besides the main representatives of the Regional Command West, Commander of the 207th Corps' Afghan National Army, Gen. Behnam Jalandarshah, President of the Provincial Council and more than 120 elders from all districts of the Province.

During his speech, Armam highlighted the need for concrete actions in support of local communities in terms of safety.

"It 's time to change our destiny," said Armam. "The Afghan army, thanks to the decisive contribution of ISAF, has long been at the forefront to meet the growing need for collective security. But real change will be through a joint effort in which the population is also asked to give their support in preventing destabilizing actions by hostile elements that, in fact, impede the process of rebirth of the country. "

Veltri, confirming the support of ISAF to government and local security authorities, stressed that "the success of the mission is in the hands of the country. Key will be to support the population, particularly for projects with medium and long term, among which the completion of Ring Road which crosses the province of Badghis and still is not paved.

“To start the work, must be ensured, as soon as possible, freedom of movement and safe communications in the Province,” Veltri said. “It’s an ambitious project which will begin with a joint military operation in which the Afghan National Army and ISAF forces will progress to concrete actions in support of the population in order to prevent the insurgent’s initiative feed their propaganda against the legitimate government authority, damaging the delicate balance of security so far achieved in this area. "