Norwegian Force Continues its ISAF Mission in Kabul
Historical archive
Published under: Bondevik's 2nd Government
Publisher: Ministry of Defence
Press release | Date: 07/01/2004 | Last updated: 24/10/2006
(6 Jan 04) The Norwegian guard and security company will be continuing its mission as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul following ratification by the Afghan Grand Assembly, the Loya Jirga, of a charter for a new constitution for Afghanistan.
Press release
No.: 1/2004
Date: 06.01.04
Norwegian Force Continues its ISAF Mission in Kabul
(6 Jan 04) The Norwegian guard and security company will be continuing its mission as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul following ratification by the Afghan Grand Assembly, the Loya Jirga, of a charter for a new constitution for Afghanistan. The Norwegian company has helped to maintain security during this Constitutional Assembly.
The Norwegian company in the ISAF is a rapid reaction force of approximately 180 men. The company will continue its mission as part of ISAF and will, in concert with other units, carry out a range of routine guard and security duties in a geographically limited area of Kabul for the purpose of maintaining security and stability.
NATO is currently considering a range of possibilities with a view to strengthening the role of ISAF outside Kabul, including the establishment of so-called Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT). For the present, the Alliance has decided to limit ISAF’s operational area to Kabul, its surroundings and the province of Konduz. The Norwegian Government will also consider the possibility of contributing personnel to a PRT in a Nordic/British context later this year.
The guard and security company has contributed to the protection and safety of delegates attending the Loya Jirga. The company’s mission within ISAF will, in the first instance, last until August 2004. The costs associated with this mission for the first six months are estimated to amount to NOK 75 million and will be funded from the overall budget of the Ministry of Defence.