KABUL, Afghanistan - Zemarai Bashary, spokesman for the Ministry of the Interior, and German Army Brig. Gen. Josef Blotz, International Security Assistance Force spokesman, address the press together for the first time during a joint news conference hosted at MOI. The two discussed how the MOI is providing effective governance and security to the Afghan people. (ISAF photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. LuCelia Ball)

Headquarters
International Security Assistance Force - Afghanistan

By U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. LuCelia Ball
ISAF Public Affairs Office

KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 29) – The spokesmen for the Ministry of the Interior and the International Security Assistance Force spoke together for the first time today as they hosted a joint news conference at the MOI here.

The two discussed how the MOI is providing effective governance and security to the Afghan people.

For the Ministry of the Interior, Zemarai Bashary commented on Afghan National Police operations during the past 30 days in reaction to 539 criminal incidents, including murder and robbery in the big cities. As of today, 531 suspects have been arrested by the ANP.

“Criminal actions have decreased 14 percent in comparison to the last month,” he said.

Armed enemy casualties number 613 people; 135 were injured, and 593 armed insurgents were arrested by the ANP.

On the civilian side, 229 people have been killed, and 434 injured from different incidents.

“We had hoped to not see any casualties of innocent people,” said Bashary.

Police casualties in the month of August have reached 124 deaths and 232 injuries.

German Army Brig. Gen. Josef Blotz, representing ISAF, began his statement with a comment about a shooting incident in Badghis Province.

“Currently, an incident assessment team is now determining what happened and why,” he said. “Right now. we don’t know what motivated the ANP trainee to turn his weapon on his trainers. But what we do know is there are thousands of Afghans who join the ANSF and serve their country with honor and distinction.”

Blotz emphasized that the ANP – like all the Afghan security forces – continue to have the trust and respect of ISAF.

“Every day, I am a witness to their patriotism, dedication, and professionalism. Great progress has been made,” he said. “And every day, with each new trained class of officers and soldiers, this progress continues. “

Blotz moved on to talk about the new ANP code of conduct approved by Minister Mohammedi.

“This code sets the highest standards of professionalism, honor and service,” he said.

The general acknowledged the ANP are not yet to the level where Minister Mohammedi would like them to be, but was deeply impressed with his vision for the future.

“We look forward in assisting him in this task,” said Blotz.

Blotz also spoke about the implementation of the Afghan Local Police Program.

“This is the sort of grassroots initiative that will ensure a safe, secure future for Afghanistan,” he said. “I admire President Karzai’s foresight and courage for taking this program forward. As the ALP develops and grows, we are ready to assist the Ministry of Interior.”

Likewise, the general expressed support of President Karzai’s initiative on Private Security Companies.

“ISAF has been proactive in PSC issues,” he said. “This is, of course, a complex issue that will take some significant work to put into practice. Although there are many issues that will need to be resolved, on the big picture – the need for PSCs to be regulated and professionalized – we are in full agreement with the president. We look forward to working with President Karzai on this issue.”

The general said all of these initiatives reflect a common concern about a shared priority – the security and safety of the Afghan people.

“The preparations for the upcoming Wolesi Jirga elections offer a good example of this progress,” said Blotz. “Under President Karzai’s leadership, Afghanistan is prepared like never before for a comprehensive, fair and secure national election. This is in large part due to the outstanding work of the Ministry of the Interior and their colleagues.”

The general concluded by saying the MOI can truly be proud of what has already been completed: polling centers are ready, ballots are being delivered, and voter registration is at record levels.

“Undoubtedly, some will try to disrupt the elections, but we believe that the Government of Afghanistan is prepared for any contingency,” he said. “Sept. 18 will be a great day for the people of Afghanistan.”