On Tuesday, March 22, Afghan President Hamid Karzai announced seven locations that will be handed over from NATO troops to Afghan security personnel in July.

This represents the first of a series of steps leading to the complete withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan. Areas affected include the provinces of Kabul, Panjshir and Bamiyan, and the cities of Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif, Mehterlam and Lashkar Gah, whose populations together account for approximately one-fifth of the nation’s people.

We laud this announcement heralding Afghanistan’s resumed independence and integrity. Wishing the Afghan people ever harmonious development together, leading to a nation of stable prosperity and peace.

http://www.france24.com/en/20110322-afghanistan-announces-crucial-security-handover-0,
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12815341,
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12815139,
http://www.euronews.net/newswires/811273-afghan-security-transition-to-start-in-7-areas-karzai/,
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/date-for-afghan-security-handover-15122327.html,
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/world/asia/23afghanistan.html?_r=1,
http://www.english.rfi.fr/asia-pacific/20110322-afghanistan-announces-plans-security-handover