US Ambassador: Bulgaria Could Up Effort in Afghanistan

Diplomacy | October 26, 2010, Tuesday // 12:45|  views

The US Ambassador to Sofia, James Warlick (l), praises the Bulgarian mission in Afghanistan, but is convinced the country could do even more. He is pictured during the conference with former Foreign Minister, Solomon Passy. Photo by BGNES

Bulgaria is doing a lot through the NATO mission in Afghanistan and it is doing it very well, is the assessment of US Ambassador to Sofia, James Warlick.

Warlick spoke Tuesday during the conference titled "Europe for Afghanistan: from Understanding to Support," held in the Military Club in the Bulgarian capital.

About 550 Bulgarian soldiers and medical staff are currently stationed in Afghanistan in Kabul and Kandahar. Their number will swell to over 600 by the end of 2010. The troops are guarding the airports in the two cities. Bulgarians also serve as military instructors, medical and intelligence teams.

According to the Ambassador, and despite the offered praise, Bulgaria could up its efforts in Afghanistan and do more.

"There are still many positions there and NATO absolutely must hire more people in order to secure the gradual transfer of responsibilities to the Afghani National Security Forces; to provide training for the Afghani army and police; to secure supplies to civilians; to help the rebuilding of the country," Warlick pointed out.

The American diplomat further said the main question the Bulgarian cabinet must ask and answer is if the country has any interest in doing more within the NATO mission, adding it is always a hard decision to send young men and women to dangerous locations.

"I do, however, believe that stabilizing Afghanistan; providing better life for those people who have suffered for too long; creating a safer world is worth the risk. I am certain the Bulgarian Prime Minister and his advisors will make the right decision for their country," Warlick concluded.

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Tags: US Ambassador, James Warlick, Bulgarian mission in Afghanistan, Afghanistan, Kandahar, Kandahar Airport, Kabul, NATO, ISAF, Defense Ministry

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