Afghanistan begins disbanding private security firms

[maddezmom]

Source: Reuters


KABUL, Oct 3 (Reuters) - Afghanistan has begun disbanding private security companies operating in the country, shutting down eight firms and seizing over 400 weapons, the Interior Ministry said on Sunday.

The move is part of President Hamid Karzai's ambitious plan to take over all Afghan security responsibilities from foreign troops by 2014.

Since Karzai's decree in August, a plan has been drawn up for the process which is expected to be complete by the end of the year, Interior Ministry spokesman Zemarai Bashary said. The United Nations and NATO-led International Security Assistance force had given it their support, he added.

"The interior ministry is implementing this plan with seriousness and decisiveness," he told a regular briefing.

The first targets are illegal armed groups operating as private security firms, companies with temporary permits and those who provide security escorts for foreign forces and have been engaged in criminal acts and security breaches.



Read more: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SGE69200K.htm

[maddezmom]

1. Afghanistan has formally banned 8 foreign private security firms, including Blackwater

Afghanistan bans foreign security firms
(AFP) – 1 hour ago

KABUL — Afghanistan has formally banned eight foreign private security firms, including the controversial company formerly called Blackwater, a spokesman for President Hamid Karzai said on Sunday.

The Afghan government announced in August that it was giving security firms working in Afghanistan four months to cease operations, potentially hitting hard efforts by NATO-led troops fighting a nine-year insurgency in the country.

"The process of dissolving eight private security companies and collecting their weapons has been carried out successfully," Waheed Omer told reporters.

Xe, the former Blackwater, and White Eagle Security Services, which provides security for Afghan government officials and NGOs in particular, are among the first companies banned.

more:http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ie4LVCoaE10GYgfGoZrpEywReq7A?docId=CNG.23111bf2d9c2a75f1ce1e14c0bcb1919.4b1

[Crowman1979]

2. About damn time!

Ufortunately our country has failed in taking the same actions.

[TexasObserver]

3. recommend

[earcandle]

4. This is an act of righteous courage! And intelligence and goodwill toward his own people!

Karzai is becoming ethical!  (character, intelligence and
goodwill) 

[pennylane100]

5. when he is on his meds.

[earcandle]

6. "better feed 'em something different then... " Something Different": Granite Countertops