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NATO RHQ AFNORTH Press Release

10 July 2003

Cologne - The initial deployment of NATO's Allied Forces North Europe (AFNORTH) personnel and equipment for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) headquarters in Kabul began on July 5th and is now in full swing. The force is preparing for the change of command from the German/Netherlands Corps, currently running the ISAF mission. NATO will assume command of the UN-mandated mission on August 11th.

Communications equipment for the ISAF headquarters was airlifted today from Berlin's Tempelhof Airport. About 60 troops will deploy on July 12th and containerised equipment will follow on July 14th; both will depart from Cologne Airport.

NATO's North Atlantic Council (NAC) authorised the deployment of troops and equipment on July 2nd. Regional Headquarters Allied Forces North Europe (RHQ AFNORTH) in Brunssum is the designated Joint Forces Command (JFC) headquarters. As such it is responsible for establishing, commanding and supporting an in-theatre headquarters in Kabul tasked to assist the Afghan Transition Authority (TA) in providing a safe and secure environment in Afghanistan. The JFC's long-term commitment will provide much-needed continuity to the ISAF mission.

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