NATO: No change in Afghan war strategy
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The replacing of Gen. Stanley McChrystal the former commander of NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan is not change of policy, a spokesman for NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said Sunday.
Gen. Josef Blotz told a press briefing in Kabul, "As President Barack Obama and NATO Secretary General Rasmussen have stated, this is a change in leadership."
He made this remarks in the wake of sacking McChrystal last Wednesday by U.S. President Barack Obama over his controversial comments in a U.S. magazine.
"The counter-insurgency strategy remains the basis of our campaign. The campaign is on track," the ISAF spokesman further noted.
Regarding the mood of troops and pace of operations, there is absolutely no change whatsoever, he said, adding "Our troop understand they must continue partnering with the Afghan National Security Forces to push the fight in the south, that there is no pause in our efforts to protect the Afghan people."
The southern provinces have been regarded as the stronghold of Taliban militants in the war-torn country.
According to Blotz, Gen. David Petraeus, nominated to take command of ISAF, will soon be in Kabul and his assumption of command will be scheduled in the near future.
