NEWS

Prime Minister Pahor attends ceremony on the occasion of the departure of the 14th contingent of the Slovenian Armed Forces to Afghanistan

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, together with the Minister of Defence, Dr Ljubica Jelušič, today attended the ceremony on the occasion of the departure of the 14th contingent of the Slovenian Armed Forces to a mission in Afghanistan. It will be the first time that a Slovenian contingent takes over the military training of its own group of Afghan soldiers. Mr Pahor said that "as a member of various major international organisations, the Republic of Slovenia must take on its share of responsibility for international peace, security, stability, progress and development".

   

Slovenia has been participating in ISAF operations in Afghanistan almost from the very beginning. In terms of involvement and scope, our participation has been developing gradually: from the donation of material and technical means to the subsequent deployment of the first Slovenian Armed Forces contingents in 2003, followed by the deployment of civil affairs functional specialists who perform important tasks in assisting the Afghan civilian population.  "As members of the Slovenian Armed Forces and civilian experts, you have been responsible and committed in the performance of your duties throughout our participation in ISAF operations," emphasised Prime Minister Pahor and added that he had received several commendations from foreign politicians and military commanders regarding the excellent performance of the Slovenian military personnel.

  

A secure Afghanistan and the stability of Central Asia are directly linked to the security of the member states of NATO, the EU and the broader international community.  "However, military power alone cannot ensure long-term success in Afghanistan", said Mr Pahor.  The endeavours of the entire international community are aimed at assisting the Afghan authorities to assume full responsibility for the security in the country. He went on to say that the decision of the Slovenian Government to take over the OMLT leadership was not a simple one, because the Government is aware of security risks and other challenges potentially brought about by an active participation in the all-round military training of an Afghan army battalion. The Slovenian Prime Minister closed his address by saying that he is convinced that the Slovenian soldiers will accomplish an important task. "I have absolute trust in your superb skills and high motivation required for the implementation of a demanding mission ahead of you. I wish you all success in your mission in Afghanistan, and advise you to be prudent and cautious, so that you return home safe and sound", concluded Prime Minister Pahor.