Stability initiative jirga held in Tagab
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2009
RELEASE # 022
Stability initiative jirga held in Tagab
By Army 1st Lt. Lory Stevens
Task Force Warrior Public Affairs Office
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (March 14, 2009) - More than 100 local Afghan leaders gathered at the Tagab District Center March 10 with Afghan and U.S. government and military officials, to continue talks concerning the Tagab stability initiative.
Governor Abu Baker of Kapisa opened the meeting and emphasized the need to form a unified shura council over the next month to bring peace and stability by talking to anti-government elements and convincing them to lay down their weapons and work with Afghan Government for a better future for all of the Afghan people.
"This shura was another important step in achieving long-term stability in Tag Ab District. It addressed the governance, development, and security lines of operation in our counter-insurgency campaign in a way that was understandable to the Tag ab elders and the shura representatives," said Task Force Warrior commander, Col. Scott A.
Spellmon.
Afghan National Army commander, Gen. Zamari, addressed the Afghan leaders in attendance and urged them to support the government and the ANA working in Kapisa Province.
"When you send your sons to join the Army rather than the Taliban, then we can move forward," Zamari said.
He said when he no longer had to waste money fighting the insurgency in Tagab, there would be more money available for development.
"We need peace, and if you help me and show me the enemy...who is helping the enemy in the area with weapons and food...anywhere the enemy is, we are going to attack," Zamari said.
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BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (March 10, 2009) -- Matiullah Safi, Chief of Police for Kapisa province, shakes hands with members during the Tagab stability initiative jirga, March 10. The jirga, held at the Tagab District Center in Kapisa provience, was attended by more than 100 local Afghan leaders, as well as Afghan and U.S. government and military officials. (Courtesy photo)