1 July 2004

NATO flag raised in Mazar-e-Sharif and Maimana News 29/06/2004 - NATO NATO expands presence in Afghanistan Background NATO in Afghanistan Multimedia 29/06/2004 - NATO Map of Afghanistan Links NATO Istanbul Summit ISAF website On 1 July NATO took a first step to further expanding its presence in northern Afghanistan by taking command of provincial reconstruction teams in Mazar-e-Sharif and Maimana. A flag-raising ceremony was held in Mazar-e-Sharif to mark the transfer of command of the two teams from the US-led coalition to NATO. Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) are teams of international civilian and military personnel working to facilitate the development of a secure environment and reconstruction in Afghanistan’s provinces. Map of Afghanistan The transfer of command to NATO is part of the planned expansion of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) announced at the Summit meeting of Alliance Heads of State and Government in Istanbul on 28 and 29 June. The Alliance is now operating three PRTs in the North of Afghanistan and shortly will be operating five. NATO is also planning on deploying extra troops to support the preparation and conduct of the upcoming elections.