KABUL - International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Commander Hilmi Akin Zorlu said on Wednesday that they hoped to hand over ISAF command on December 20 under the United Nations (U.N.) resolution.
Zorlu told a press conference that deliberations on handing over ISAF command continued among Turkey, Germany and the Netherlands.
Noting that security in Kabul was in good condition, Zorlu said that a minor conflict occurred in the west of the country recently while the situation was calm in the north.
Zorlu stated that they were working in coordination with local Afghan forces and that they became successful as a result of their coordinated efforts.
''I attended a series of conferences and meetings in Washington and New York between November 20 and 26. I had useful meetings with U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz and U.N. Deputy Secretary General for Peace Force Hedi Annabi. I had the opportunity to tell about the tranquil atmosphere in and around Kabul. Besides, I stressed the need for continuous international cooperation in Afghanistan and need for investments in this country,'' Zorlu said.
Zorlu said that his visit to the U.S. aimed at making the world pay attention to the efforts of ISAF in formation of a safe and stable atmosphere together with the interim government, adding that security in Kabul is getting better. Zorlu said that the most important development is lifting of the curfew in November 3.
The curfew in Kabul, which continues for 23 years, restricted the daily activities of people.
Noting that Afghan security units and ISAF continued to carry out cooperation and patrolling activities in and around Kabul, Zorlu said that ''there is no evidence that the crime rates increased due to the lifting of the curfew.'' Zorlu noted that ISAF and the transition government reached success in making Kabul a safer place.
Zorlu said that a few terrorist incidents took place in Kabul last week, adding that ''we don't know who did that, but we think that these people aim to disturb the transition period to peace and democracy.''
Zorlu said that ISAF and Afghan officials continue to launch efforts to capture the criminals and do their best to make Kabul people live in peace and security.