SUPREME HEADQUARTERS ALLIED POWERS EUROPE

ALLIED COMMAND OPERATIONS

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

B-7010 SHAPE, Belgium

Media Advisory

10 Oct 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement by General John Craddock, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, on ISAF Counter Narcotics Mandate Expansion

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY — "At the request of the Afghan government, I am grateful the North Atlantic Council has given me the authority to expand the International Security and Assistance Force's (ISAF) role in counter narcotic operations.  We now have the ability to move forward in an area that affects the security and stability of Afghanistan.  It will allow us to reduce the funding and income to the insurgents -- which will enhance the force protection of all ISAF and Afghan National Security Force personnel."

Contact Information for Allied Command Operations Public Affairs Office at SHAPE:

Tel: +32 (0)65 44 4119

Mobile: 0032 (0) 475 77 31 05

Email:  shape.pao@shape.nato.int