Statement by the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Ryan C. Crocker

April 8, 2012

I am pleased that the United States and Afghanistan have signed this Memorandum of Understanding on Special Operations.  This MOU is an important illustration of our commitment to Afghan sovereignty and of our strong partnership as we move forward to completing the transition of responsibility for Afghanistan’s security to Afghan forces by the end of 2014. 

As President Obama has said, we are making sure this transition is not abrupt, but a path marked by benchmarks and steps that build Afghan capacity.  In keeping with the request of the Loya Jirga, Afghans are taking responsibility for special operations.  This MOU marks another major step towards our goal of ensuring a stable, secure and sovereign Afghanistan and of forging an enduring partnership with the government and people of Afghanistan.  We hope now to conclude our strategic partnership negotiations with the government of Afghanistan ahead of the Chicago NATO summit in May.