MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): The governor of northern Balkh province on Sunday said Afghanistan seriously needed NATO forces’ support to reverse the tide of insecurity.
Atta Mohammad Noor was speaking at a change of command ceremony at the NATO’s Train, Advise Assist Command – (TAAC) North headquarters in Maza-i-Sharif, the provincial capital.
Outgoing commander of the TAAC-North, Brig. Gen. Andreas Hannemann, handed over the helm of affairs to incoming commander Brig. Gen. HartmutRenk last night.
Besides NATO troops based in the north, high-ranking provincial security and government officials attended the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Atta Mohammad Noor thanked NATO forces for their services to the Afghans and said he was happy over the extended stay of German troops in Afghanistan.
He hoped German troops stationed in the north would not only train Afghan forces but would also assist Afghanistan in area of economic development.
Noor said the security situation of Afghanistan had worsened this year when compared to the previous year and efforts were needed to improve it.
The governor warned if Afghanistan once again was turned into a terrorist safe haven, it would threaten many countries of the world.
He urged NATO forces not to leave their Afghan counterparts until threats against humanity and the soil existed.
Noor said he understood that a large scale presence of NATO forces could be problematic, however a small but effective NATO presence would be impactful.
The governor said the Islamic State or Daesh group was trying to expand its activities in Afghanistan and the region and if the threat was not countered jointly, the situation could further worsen.
Noor insisted on equipping Afghan security forces, saying this way the situation of Afghanistan could take a positive turn.
Outgoing commander Brig. Gen. Andreas Hannemann said his goals as commander from February this year until December had been to counter terrorists and defend the Afghans.  He praised the bravely of the Afghan forces and insisted on their equipment.
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