Herat, Afghanistan (December 07) – A handful of civilian Afghan journalists visited Camp Arena, Herat province, Dec. 6, signifying increased relations between local journalists and Regional Command-West.
Capitalizing on the timing of NATO’s Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan Mark Sedwill’s visit, the RC-West public information office invited more than 30 local journalists to Camp Arena for a media day prior a Sedwill press conference, in hopes to encourage better relationships.
Roughly 25 percent of those invited attended, which was a demonstration of why new relations are needed. Additionally, nearly all of those who came had very negative perceptions of RC-W operations upon their arrival, said U.S. Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace, RC-West PIO representative.
After hearing mission briefings, given by PIO Representative Spanish Master Sgt. Miguel A. Arellano, the journalists had a broader perspective of why some information is releasable to media while information that may jeopardize future operations, or the safety and security of coalition or Afghan troops is not.
As the day progressed, feedback from the visiting journalists became increasingly positive.
“We are working aggressively to pave enhanced relationships with our Herat-based journalists,” said Wallace. “The Afghan population is increasingly beginning to believe what they read and see, so this strong relationship built on cooperation and trust is vital to winning hearts and minds here.”
An Aryana TV reporter, Fawad Ahmadi, said he was very happy that he was invited to attend Sedwill’s press conference, and was looking forward to more collaboration with base officials. Sedwill is the former British ambassador to Afghanistan.
Italian Maj. Igor Piani, RC-West PIO chief, paved the new relationship’s foundation with this engagement, and is committed to continuing the new affiliation.
“Every journalist deserves equal treatment,” said Wallace. “As a photojournalist myself, I understand that every reporter is an instrument to report facts and inform their public. The fact of this matter is: we relish our relationship with Herat reporters and respect their increasing power to enlighten local residents.”
When it comes to continuing enhanced cooperation with local reporters, Wallace stressed that failure was no option, and noted that by time the visiting journalists left that evening, each and everyone expressed optimistic sentiments about future endeavours together.
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