President Obama üllatusvisiidi eesmärk Afganistani oli allkirjastada president Hamid Karzaiga Ameerika Ühendriikide ja Afganistani strateegilise partnerluse lepe. See lepe seab raamistiku USA ja Afganistani suhetele pärast 2014. aastat. Lepe on oluline samm suhete arendamiseks kahe riigi vahel, kuid kaudselt mõjutab see ka Afganistani ja rahvusvahelise kogukonna suhteid laiemalt.

Eelpool mainitud plahvatused Kabulis mõjutasid otseselt ka minu tegevusi – 2. mai hommikupoolikul lendasin ma tagasi oma reisilt Põhja-Afganistani, Mazar-e-Sharifi linna ning tänu Kabulis valitsevale olukorrale olin sunnitud veetma kokku viis tundi Kabuli sõjaväelennuväljal. Mazar-e-Sharifi lendasin ma 30. aprillil, lend kulges Kabulist esmalt Kunduzi lennuväljale ja sealt edasi Mazar-e-Sharifi. Lennukiaknast avanesid hunnitud vaated Hindu Kuši mäeaheliku majesteetlikele lumistele tippudele. Kunduzi lennuvälja ümbritsesid aga kevadiselt rohelised põllulapid täieliku kontrastina tolmusele Kabulile.

Mazar-e-Sharifis külastasin ma Rootsi ja Soome juhitavat Ülemineku toetamise meeskonda (Transition Support Team, TST) sõjaväebaasis ’Põhjatuled’. Mazar-e-Sarifis kohtusin TST juhi suursaadik Henrik Landerholmi, TST asekomandöri ja Soome kontingendi ülema kolonelleitnant Joni Lindemani, US välisministeeriumi esindaja Fredric Sterni ja CIMIC ohvitseri Markku Saarikannasega, kes andsid põhjaliku ülevaate TST tegevustest. Aastal 2006 loodud nelja provintsi – Balkh, Jowzjan, Samagan ja Sar-e-Pul – hõlmav provintsi ülesehitusmeeskond (Provincial Reconstruction Team, PRT) nimetati ümber TST-ks 12. märtsil k.a. Erinevus PRT ja TST vahel on see, et juhtimine on sõjaliselt poolelt antud üle tsiviilpoolele. TST tegevus kestab praeguste plaanide kohaselt 2014. aasta lõpuni. TST-l on hea koostöö Afganistani julgeolekujõududega, nii Afganistani armee kui ka politsei isikkoosseis on piisav ning nad on võimelised iseseisvalt lihtsamaid operatsioone läbi viima. Mazar-e-Sharifis õnnestus mul külastada ka Sinist Mošeed, mis jättis lumivalgete marmorplaatidega kaetud territooriumi ja sinistes toonides mosaiikseintega vapustava mulje. Inimesed Mazaris olid väga suhtlemisaltid ning välismaalaste suhtes positiivselt uudishimulikud.

Reedel, 4. mail toimus Kabuli maraton, millest ma ka osa võtsin, piirdudes küll vaid poolmaratoniga ehk siis 21 kilomeetrise distantsiga. Maraton toimus ISAF-i peakorteri territooriumil ning poolmaratoni puhul tuli läbida 14 1,5 km pikkust ringi. Tavapärasemast keerulisemaks tegi jooksu Kabuli kõrgus merepinnast, mis on keskmiselt 1800 m, ning väga varajane aeg – stardipauk kõlas juba kell kuus hommikul. Neid pigem ekstreemseid tingimusi arvestades jäin oma tulemusega üsna rahule. Jooksmise tegi meeldivaks hea korraldus ja aktiivne kaasaelamine – siinkohal suur tänu Ameerika Ühendriikide saatkonnale Kabulis, mille töötajad selle meeldejääva spordisündmuse korraldajateks olid!

Security is still fragile in Kabul – the Taliban announced that it started its so-called spring offensive on 3 May, but as early as 2 May hours after U.S. President Barack Obama left Kabul a suicide car bomb attack in the Afghan capital took place killing and wounded several people… Once again, the Afghan security forces have to be recognized – they solved the situation by themselves.

President Obama’s unannounced visit to Afghanistan was intended to sign with President Hamid Karzai the strategic partnership agreement between the United States and Afghanistan. This agreement sets the framework for US-Afghan relations after 2014. The agreement is an important step in the development of relations between the two countries but also indirectly affects the relations between Afghanistan and the International Community at large.

The above-mentioned explosions in Kabul influenced directly me as well – in the morning of the 2^nd May I flew back from my trip to Northern Afghanistan, Mazar-e-Sharif and due to the situation in Kabul I was forced to spend five hours at Kabul military airport. I flew Mazar-e-Sharif on the 30^th April, firstly we flew from Kabul to Kunduz airport and further on to Mazar-e-Sharif. From the aircraft window opened up magnificent views to the majestic snowcapped mountains of the Hindu Kush range. However, Kunduz airport was surrounded by green fields, a complete contrast to the dusty spring in Kabul.

In Mazar-e-Sharif, I visited Sweden and Finland led the Transition Support Team (TST) in the military base ‘Northern Lights’. I met with the Head of TST Ambassador Henrik Landerholm, DCOM TST and commander of the Finnish contingent, Lieutenant Colonel Jon Lindeman, U.S. State Department representative Fredric Stern and CIMIC officer Markku Saarikannas, who gave a comprehensive overview of the TST activities. The Provincial Reconstruction Team incorporated four provinces – Balkh, Jowzjan, Samagan and Sar-e-Pul – was created in 2006 and renamed as TST on 12^th March 2012. The difference between the PRT and TST is that of the leadership is handed over from the military side to the civil side. According to current plans, TST continues until the end of 2014. TST has good cooperation with the Afghan security forces, personnel of the Afghan army and police is sufficient in numbers and they are able to independently carry out the basic operations. In Mazar-e-Sharif I was able to visit the Blue Mosque, which left a tremendous impression for me with is snow white marble tiled territory and blue mosaic walls. People in Mazar were very prone to communicate and positively curious towards foreigners.

On 4 May Kabul Marathon was held in ISAF HQ. I also took part in the event, though I participated only in a half marathon course – that is a distance of 21 kilometers and I had to run altogether 14 laps of 1.5 km. The run was much difficult than usually due to the altitude of Kabul, which is an average of 1800 m over sea level, and a very early time – start of the run was at six o’clock in the morning. Considering these rather extreme conditions, I was quite satisfied with my results. The competition was very well organised – thanks to the staff of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul for this memorable event!

Alates märtsi lõpust on toimunud paar sündmust, millel soovin pisut pikemalt peatuda. Märtsi lõpus toimus kindral Riho Terrase esimene visiit Afganistani kaitseväe juhatajana. Kokkuvõtteks võib seda visiiti õnnestunuks pidada, kuigi peavalu selle korraldamisega oli. Esmalt lükkus visiit ühe päeva võrra edasi, sest Kabulis möllas tolmu- ja liivatorm, mistõttu ei võtnud Kabuli lennuväli ühtegi lennukit vastu. Kuna kindral Terras saabus päev hiljem, siis tuli lausa lennujaamas delegatsiooni saabumist oodates programm osaliselt ümber korraldada. Kindral Terras kohtus Kabulis Ameerika Ühendriikide asesuursaadiku James Cunninghami, ISAF-i komandöri asetäitja kindral Adrian Bradshaw’, NATO kõrgema tsiviilesindaja suursaadik Simon Gassi, NTM-A juhi kindral Daniel Bolgeri, Ühendkuningriigi suursaadiku sir William Patey’ ja oma Afganistani kolleegi kindral Karimiga. Eesti delegatsioon külastas ka Helmandi provintsis teenivaid eesti sõdureid. Lisaks sellele kohtuti nii provintsi ülesehitusmeeskonna, Edela-Afganistanis paiknevate koalitsioonivägede juhtidega kui ka Afganistani armee esindajatega. Eesti delegatsioon sai kohtumistelt väga hea ülevaate viimasest arengutest Afganistanis, palju keskenduti aruteludes just 2014. aastale, mille lõpuks lahkub suurem osa koalitsioonivägedest Afganistanist ja toimuvad järgmised presidendivalimised, ning võimalikele arengutele pärast seda tähtaega. Pea kõikidel kohtumistel tunnustati Eesti panust ja meie kaitseväelaste kõrget professionaalsust. Eesti kinnitas, et oleme valmis jätkama Afganistanis praegusel tasemel seni kuni meie abi vajatakse ning vajadusel kuni 2014. aasta lõpuni.

Aprilli esimesel nädalal käisin Kabulis asuva Kolola Pushta künkale ehitatud kindluses. Ehitise varemed ei ole väga suure (kunsti)ajaloolise väärtusega, kuid annavad hea ülevaate Afganistani kindlusearhitektuurist. 1980-ndatel ja Talebani valitsemise ajal kasutati seda kindlust väidetavalt vanglana. Kindlusest avaneb väga hea vaade Kabulile.

Time is passing very quickly in Kabul. From Sunday afternoon until Monday morning, insurgency organised a complex attack in Kabul – the Kabul Star Hotel located in the city center near so-called Green Zone, German, Japanese and British embassies as well as the Parliament buildings were attacked. Estonians working in Kabul are all OK. It was very important that the attack was solved completely by Afghan security forces. This fact testifies to the national army and police professionalism and that the international community’s efforts in the training are beginning to bear fruits.

From the end of March there have been a couple of events that I want to stay a little longer. At the end of March, General Riho Terras visited the first time Afghanistan as the Chief of Estonian Defence Forces. In conclusion it may be considered the visit a success, although the organization was not very smooth. First of all, arrival of the Estonian delegation to Kabul was delayed by one day because there was a dust and sand storm in Kabul and Kabul Airport did not serve any flights from and to Kabul. As General Terras arrived a day later, then I had to reschedule part of the programme at the Airport while awaiting the arrival of the delegation.

General Terras met in Kabul the Deputy Ambassador of the United States James Cunningham, the ISAF Deputy Commander General Adrian Bradshaw, NATO’s Senior Civilian Representative Ambassador Simon Gass, Commander of NTM-A General Daniel Bolger, the United Kingdom Ambassador Sir William Patey, and the Afghan Chief of General Staff General Karimi. The Estonian delegation also visited the Estonian troops serving in Helmand province. In addition, meetings with representatives of the Provincial Reconstruction Team, leaders of the Coalition Forces located in South-Western Afghanistan, and representatives of the Afghan Army. At the meetings, the Estonian delegation was given very good overview of recent developments in Afghanistan, much discussion focused on the year of 2014, by the end of which most of the coalition forces will leave Afghanistan and the next presidential elections to be held, and possible developments beyond 2014. The Estonia’s contribution as well as the high professionalism of our troops was recognized at most of the meetings. Estonia has confirmed that we are ready to continue at the current level in Afghanistan as long as our assistance is required, and if necessary up to the end of 2014.

First week of April I visited a fort on the Kolola Pushta hill in Kabul. The ruins of the building have not a very high (art)historical value, but give a good overview of Afghanistan’s security architecture. During 1980′s and the Taliban’s reign the fort was used as a prison. One can have very good overview about Kabul from the fort.

Suursaadik Reinart kohtus Kabulis ka Afganistani asevälisministri Jawed Ludini, Kabuli Ülikooli rektori professor Hamedullah Amini, Euroopa Liidu eriesindaja Vygaudas Ušackase, ÜRO Afganistani abimissiooni (UNAMA) juhi Jan Kubiši, EUPOLi asejuhi Geoffrey Cooperi ja NATO kõrgema tsiviilesindaja suursaadik Simon Gassiga. Lisaks sellele toimusid kohtumised EL-i riikide esindustejuhtidega. Kõikidel kohtumistel tunnustati Eesti panust Afganistani turvalisuse tagamisse ja riigi üles ehitamisse. Eesti kinnitas omalt poolt, et on valmis senisel tasemel panustamist jätkama.

Praktiliselt kõikidel kohtumistel oli teemaks edasised arengud Afganistanis. Kui eelmise aasta detsembri alguses toimunud Bonni konverentsil lepiti kokku rahvusvahelise kogukonna ja Afganistani vastastikustes kohustustes, siis suvel toimuval Tokyo konverentsil täpsustatakse neid kohustusi ning kavas on täita võetud pikaajalised kohustused võimalikult konkreetse sisuga. Oluline on siinkohal, et Afganistan teeks korralikult oma kodutööd, sealhulgas täitma oma kohustused inimõiguste ja heade valitsemistavade rakendamisel ning valimisreformi läbiviimisel. Julgeolekuvastutuse üleandmine Afganistani julgeolekujõududele edeneb plaanipäraselt – on probleeme, kuid Afganistani armee ja ka politsei võimekus ning iseseisev tegutsemine kasvab jätkuvalt. Oluliseks teetähiseks Afganistani julgeolekujõudude edasises arengus on kevadel toimuv NATO tippkohtumine Chicagos, kus on kavas kokku leppida täpsemad arengukavad ja nende rahastamine.

Today was a special day for the Estonian Mission in Afghanistan – new Estonian Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Mr. Väino Reinart presented his credential letters to the President of Afghanistan Mr. Hamid Karzai. Estonian Ambassador Väino Reinart and Afghan President Hamid Karzai discussed possibilities for cooperation in stabilizing Afghanistan and the whole region. They also talked about the possibilities of Estonia in contributing to development in Afghanistan. President Karzai was interested in Estonia’s history and language. Afghanistan’s head of state emphasized the importance of education in developing the countriy and said that more work is needed in this area.

In Kabul, Ambassador Reinart met with the Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Jawed Ludin, Rector of Kabul University, Professor Hamedullah Amin, the European Union Special Representative Vygaudas Ušackas, head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Jan Kubiš, deputy head of EUPOL Geoffrey Cooper and NATO Senior Civilian Representative Ambassador Simon Gass. In addition, meetings were held with the EU countries’ Heads of Mission. Estonia’s contribution to Afghanistan’s security and nation building were recognized at all meetings. Ambassador Reinart underlined that Estonia is ready to continue contributing to the current level.

Virtually at all the meetings further developments in Afghanistan were the subject of discussion. In the beginning of December last year at the Bonn Conference mutual commitments were agreed by Afghanistan and the international community. At Tokyo Conference in summer those commitments will be specified and long-term commitments to be met the specific content as possible. In this respect it is important that Afghanistan would do their homework properly, including to fulfill its commitment in the fields of human rights, governance and electoral reform. Transition process – giving security responsibility over to the Afghan security forces – is progressing as planned: there are several problems, but capabilities of the Afghan army and police continues to grow. One important milestone in the further development of the Afghan security forces will be NATO summit in Chicago, where development plans and their financing will be agreed.

Kohtumisel Kabuli ülikooli kantsleri professor Hamidullah Aminiga andis viimane ülevaate ülikoolist. Kabuli Ülikool on loodud 1930. aastal ja on vanim ja suurim kõrgharidust andev asutus Afganistanis. Ülikoolis saavad ligi 12 000 tudengit õppida alates majandusest kuni kaunite kunstideni ning islamiõpingutest kuni loodusteadusteni, õppida saab ka farmaatsiat, kuid Kabuli Ülikoolis ei ole arstiteaduskonda. Ülikool on pärast Talibani režiimi langemist 2001. aastal jõudsalt arenenud, eelkõige tänu välisabile. Professor Amin rõhutas, et mistahes abi Eestist on väga teretulnud.

Tallinna Ülikooli delegatsioon külastas ka Kabuli Ülikooli Afganistani Keskust (ACKU), mille hing ja eestvedaja on Nancy Hatch Dupree. Alates 2006. aastast on ACKU paiknenud Kabuli Ülikooli raamatukogus, ülikooli territooriumil on aga valmimas ACKU uus hoone, mille ehitamist on toetanud ka Eesti oma arengukoostöö raames. ACKU raamatukogus ja arhiivis on üle 70 000 dokumendi ja see on rikkaim ja kohati ainulaadne kogu Afganistani ja kogu regiooni kohta.

Lisaks Kabuli Ülikooliga tutvumisele toimus ka kohtumine Kõrharidusministeeriumis ministri asetäitja professor Osman Baburiga, kes andis ülevaate olukorrast ja arengutest kõrghariduse maastikul Afganistanis.

Kaheksandal veebruaril toimus Kabulis, Prantsuse Instituudi saalis Afganistani riikliku muusikainstituudi (ANIM) korraldatud noorte muusikute Talveakadeemia galakontsert. Afganistani noorteorkester ja koor esitasid väga omanäolise ja nauditava kava afganistani ja lääne muusikast. Kontserdi naelaks oli Maurice Raveli ’Bolero’, mis oli arranžeeritud osaliselt afganistani rahvapillidele. Täissaal võttis noorte muusikute ja lauljate kontserdi väga soojalt vastu – publiku aplodeerimine ei tahtnud kontserdi lõpus kuidagi raugeda. Sellised positiivsed emotsioonid annavad taaskord kinnitust, et Afganistanis areneb (kunsti)elu jõudsalt edasi ning Afganistan ei ole vaid sünonüüm sõjale.

I have not yet written about an event that was taken place in February. Namely, the delegation of Tallinn University led by the Rector Professor Tiit Land visited Kabul from 6 to 10 February. The main objective of the visit was the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Tallinn University and the University of Kabul. The delegation of the Tallinn University had a closer look in the Kabul University IT-Centre and in the faculty of chemistry, where meetings with academics took place, and teaching methods and academic premises were introduced to the Estonian delegation.

The Chancellor of Kabul University, Professor Hamidullah Amin gave an overview about the University. Kabul University was established 1930 and is the oldest and largest higher educational institution in Afghanistan. In the University nearly 12,000 students can study very different subjects from economics to fine arts and from science to Islamic studies, one can also learn pharmacy, but Kabul University does not have the Faculty of Medicine. After the fall of Taliban regime in 2001 the University has been thriving, thanks in particular to foreign aid. Professor Amin underlined that any aid from Estonia are very welcome.

The delegation Tallinn University also visited the Afghanistan Centre of Kabul University (ACKU), led by Nancy Hatch Dupree who is the soul and heart of the Centre. Since 2006 ACKU has been stationed at the Library of Kabul University, on the campus, however, the new building of ACKU is under construction. The new building has been supported by Estonia as well within the framework of its development cooperation. ACKU library and archive consist of more than 70,000 documents and is richest and unique in Afghanistan and in the whole region.

In addition, the Estonian delegation has a meeting in the Ministry of Higher Education with the Deputy Minister Professor Osman Babur, who gave an overview of the situation and developments in higher education landscape in Afghanistan.

On 8 February, a gala concert of young musicians of the Winter Academy, organised by the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM) was held in Kabul, in the French Institute. Afghan Youth Orchestra and choir gave a very distinctive and enjoyable concert of Afghan and Western music. Highlight of the concert was Maurice Ravel’s ‘Bolero’, which was arranged partly for the Afghan national instruments. The concert hall was full and the concert of young Afghan musicians and singers was very warmly received – ovations of the audience were endless. These positive emotions will once again confirm that (art) life in Afghanistan is thriving and Afghanistan is not only a synonym for war.

Foto/photo: Maj. Evert Paas

Congradulations for the Estonian Independence Day! I continued the tradition of my predecessor and spent the Independence Day not in Kabul, but in patrol base Wahid and Camp Bastion to meet Estonian troops. In Camp Bastion a small parade of Estonian soldiers took place and later on a ceremonial lunch was provided where also Estonian food was served. Representatives of the United Kingdom, the United States and Denmark participated in the ceremony. After the lunch everybody who wished could enjoy the Estonian sauna.

Ilmale vaatamata on terve jaanuar möödunud minu jaoks väga kiiresti ja toimekalt, sest 28. jaanuarist kuni 2. veebruarini külastas Afganistani Riigikogu Riigikaitsekomisjoni delegatsioon – komisjoni esimees Mati Raidma, aseesimees Aivar Riisalu, liikmed Marianne Mikko, Ülo Tulik ja Lauri Laasi, komisjoni sekretariaadi juhataja Aivar Engel ning Aart Nõmm kaitseväe peastaabist. Visiidi programmi ettevalmistamine ja kohtumiste kokkuleppimine võttis väga palju aega, sest kohati erineb asjaajamiskultuur Eestis ja Afganistanis nagu öö ja päev. Lisaks sellele oli ka programm väga pingeline ja kohtumised toimusid hommikust hilisõhtuni ilma pikemate vaheaegadeta.

Riigikogu liikmete visiidi programm hõlmas nii Lõuna-Afganistanis käimist kui ka kohtumisi Kabulis. Lõuna-Afganistanis tutvusid Riigikogu liikmed Helmandi provintsis teeniva Eesti jalaväekompanii Estcoy-13 ja logistilise toetusüksuse tegevusega, kohtuti Helmandi provintsi kuberneri Gulab Mangali ja Lashkar Gah ülesehitusmeeskonna (PRT) juhtidega ning Helmandi väekoondise ülema brigaadikindral Patrick Sandersi ja Edela regionaalse väejuhatuse aseülema brigaadikindral Nicholas Welchiga. Viimane tõi välja Eesti üksuste kõrge professionaalsuse, mis on tema kinnitusel eeskujuks ka teistele liitlastele.

Miks ma rõhutasin vaid kindral Welchi sõnu, on sellepärast, et tänu logistilistele viperustele – olgu selleks siis ilm või lennuki tehnilised probleemid või mõlemad kokku – jõudsime kaitsenõunik Mart Viires ja mina Camp Bastionisse alles pea 24 tundi plaanitust hiljem. Seetõttu jõudsimegi vaid kohtumisele kindral Welchiga.

Kabulis toimusid kohtumised Ühendkuningriigi ja Ameerika Ühendriikide suursaadikuga, kes rõhutasid Afganistani arengu olulisimate komponentidena riigi julgeolekujõudude kestlikkust ning üleminekuprotsessi – afgaanide vastutuse suurendamine riigi julgeoleku tagamisel – plaanipärasust, samuti vahetati mõtteid regionaalsete arengute üle. Riigikogu liikmed kohtusid ka Afganistani relvajõudude juhataja kindral Sher Mohammed Karimiga, kes andis ülevaade Afganistani relvajõudude arengutest ja tulevikuväljavaadetest.

Riigikaitsekomisjoni delegatsioon kohtus Kabulis ka Afganistani parlamendi alamkoja (Wolesi Jirga) asespiikri Abdul Zahir Qadeeri, ülemkoja (Meshrano Jirga) asespiikri Mohammad Alam Izedyari ning parlamendi kaitsekomisjoni ja Euroopa Parlamendi sõprusgrupiga. Afganistani parlamendiliikmetel oli suur huvi Eesti vastu ning nad olid valmis arendama tihedamat parlamentidevahelist koostööd. Kohtumisel rahvusvaheliste julgeolekutagamisjõudude ISAF asekomandöri kindralleitnant Adrian Bradshaw’ga olid kõne all järgnevate aastate arengud Afganistanis. ISAFi asekomandöri sõnul on lähiaastatel olulisimad teemad vastutuse üleandmise edukus ning julgeolekuolukorra areng riigi lõuna- ja idaosas. Ta tunnustas ka Eesti panust Afganistani stabiliseerimisel.

Kabulis kohtusid riigikaitsekomisjoni liikmed veel Euroopa Liidu politseimissiooni EUPOL ja NATO väljaõppemissiooni NTM-A juhtidega ning külastas Afganistani relvajõudude väljaõppekeskust. Samuti kohtus Eesti delegatsioon Kabulis töötavate ja elavate eestlastega.

Kokkuvõttes võib väita, et visiit läks korda ja toimus üldjoontes nagu kavandatud. Ka Riigikogu liikmete visiidijärgsete esmamuljete põhjal võib järeldada, et ka nemad jäid nii visiidi sisu kui ka vormiga rahule.

Kabul is covered with a thick layer of snow, thickness of snow is about 30 cm and sporadically even more. Last two days have been snowing, but today the sun is shining and one can feel the first signs of spring – the eaves are dripping and the streets are wet from melting snow. In fact, Kabul has been consistently covered by a thinner or thicker carpet of snow from the beginning of January and temperature has been as at home – at nights the thermometer has dropped to minus 14 degrees.

Despite the weather the whole January has flew very quickly and I have been quite busy – from 28 January to 2 February a delegation of the National Defence Committee of the Estonian Parliament visited Afghanistan. The delegation was led by Mr. Mati Raidma, the Chairman of the Committee and were accompanied by Mr. Aivar Riisalu, Vice Chairman, and Members of the Committee Ms. Marianne Mikko, Mr. Ülo Tulik and Mr. Lauri Laasi, and Mr. Aivar Engel Head of the Secretariat of the Committee, and Mr. Aart Nõmm from the Headquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces. Preparation of the visit programme and arrangement of the meetings have taken a lot of time, as sometimes bureaucratic procedures in Estonia and Afghanistan may be different as night and day. In addition, the programme was very intense and took place from morning until late at evening without a lengthy adjournment.

The programme of the Parliamentarians included both visiting Southern Afghanistan, as well as meetings in Kabul. In Southern Afghanistan the Members of Parliament acquaint themselves with activities of the Estonian infantry company ESTCOY-13 and National Support Element operating in Helmand province, met with Helmand Provincial Governor Mr. Gulab Mangal, leaders of the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Lashkar Gah, Brigadier General Patrick Sanders, Commander of Task Force Helmand, and Brigadier General Nicholas Welch, Deputy Commander of Regional Command Southwest. General Welch highlighted the high level of professionalism of the Estonian troops and he said that they are of an example for other allies.

Why do I only pointed out to General Welch words, it is because of due to logistical problems – be it whether or technical problems of the aircraft, or both together –my Defence Adviser Mr. Mart Viires and me reached to Camp Bastion almost 24 hours later than it was planned. And we only reached the meeting with General Welch.

In Kabul, the meetings were held with the Ambassadors of the United Kingdom and the United States who underlined that the sustainability of the Afghan National Security Forces and the transition process – for Afghans to take larger responsibility for their own security – being on track are the key components for further developments in Afghanistan. The Members of Parliament and Ambassadors discussed the regional developments as well. The delegation also met with the Commander of Afghan Forces General Sher Mohammed Karimi, who gave an overview of developments and future prospects of the armed forces of Afghanistan.

The delegation of the National Defence Commission also met with Mr. Abdul Zahir Qadeer, Deputy Speaker of the Lower House (Wolesi Jirga) of the Parliament of Afghanistan, Mr. Mohammad Alam Izedyar, Deputy Speaker of the Upper House (Meshrano Jirga) of the Parliament, and with members of the Defence Committee and the European Parliament friendship group. Members of the Afghan Parliament had a great interest in Estonia and they were ready to develop closer cooperation between the parliaments. Deputy Commander of ISAF General Adrian Bradshaw discussed the developments in Afghanistan in the coming years. General Bradshaw said that the most important topics are the success of the transition process and the development of the security situation in Southern and Eastern Afghanistan. He also acknowledged the contribution of Estonia in stabilizing Afghanistan.

In Kabul, the parliamentarians had also meetings with leaders of the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL) and NATO Training Mission (NTM-A), and visited the Afghan armed forces training center. The Estonian delegation met with Estonians living and working in Kabul as well.

It can be concluded that the visit was successful and went largely as planned. Members of the Estonian Parliament, according to their first impression after the visit, were also content with both the substance and programme of the visit.

Täna avati Afganistani parlamendi praeguse koosseisu teine aasta. Pidulikul avamisel pidas kõne president Karzai, kes tõi välja mitu edulugu eelmisest parlamendiaastast. President rõhutas, et rahuprotsess jätkub ning see on afgaanide juhtida. President Karzai toonitas, et viimase 40 aasta jooksul on Afganistanis valitsenud mitu poliitilist süsteemi, mille tulemus on riigi sotsiaalse süsteemi lagunemine. Ta lisas, et Afganistan pole poliitiliste eksperimentide keskus välismaalastele katsetamaks igal aastal uusi poliitilisi süsteeme.

Jaanuari lõpus ja veebruari alguses on ees ootamas huvitavaid kohtumisi, neist lähemalt aga edaspidi.

The year of 2012 has started very actively. I came back from my Christmas holiday on 4 January morning and the next day I flew to Helmand. I had meetings in the PRT in Lashkar Gah and in Camp Bastion I met with Estonian troops. In Lashkar Gah, I also met with the Helmand province Governor, Mr. Mangal, who thanked Estonia for its contribution to the security and development of Helmand province. Governor Mangal and I discussed the transfer of security responsibilities to the Afghanistan National Security Forces, the security situation in Helmand province, reintegration into society, and counter narcotics issues. Governor of Helmand Province was very positive and optimistic about the developments, as the overall security has improved in the province and economic activity increases in Lashkar Gah and outside the provincial capital as well. I assured in all meetings of the Estonian position – we are ready to continue our current military contribution in Afghanistan as long as it is needed. Also, we will continue with the development of Afghanistan, implementing the Kabul conference commitment to contribute at least 50% either directly to the Afghan budget or through the trust funds related to the budget.

Today, the inauguration of the second legislative year of Afghanistan parliament took place. In the opening speech, President Karzai pointed out a number of success stories from the last year. The President emphasized that the peace process will continue and it is the Afghans’ led process. President Karzai stressed that over the past 40 years, Afghanistan has experienced several types of political systems, which have resulted in destruction of the social system of the country. He added that Afghanistan is not a center of political experiments for foreigners to test new political systems every year.

In late January and early February there will be several interesting meetings, but more of them in the future.

Üldine julgeolek Kabulis tundub esmapilgul rahulik, kuid arvestades, et kolleegid teistest saatkondadest kinnitavad, et veel aasta-paar tagasi oli rahvusvahelise kogukonna liikumisvabadus palju suurem, siis tegelikkuses on siinne olukord üsna ettearvamatu. Selle tunnistuseks on ka Kabulis regulaarselt toimunud rünnakud, millest suurimad toimusid 13. septembril, mil rünnati Ameerika Ühendriikide saatkonda ja ISAF-i peakoterit, ning 6. detsembril, mil enesetaputerroristi rünnaku tõttu hukkus ligi 80 inimest. Septembri keskel toimunud rünnak piiras olulisel määral rahvusvahelise kogukonna tegutsemist Kabulis – Austraalia suursaadiku ja minu kohtumise katkestasid saatkonnaturvatöötajad ning ma olin sunnitud jääma ligi seitsmeks tunniks nautima Austraalia külalislahkust.

Sel poolaastal on toimunud kaks Afganistani tuleviku jaoks olulist sündmust – 2. novembril toimus Istanbuli konverents ja pea kuu aega hiljem, 5. detsembril Bonni konverents. Nende konverentside ettevalmistamises oli oluline roll täita ka diplomaatilistel esindustel Kabulis. Istanbuli kogunesid kõigi piirkonna riikide esindajad, kes kinnitasid ühiselt, et regiooni julgeoleku ja koostöö edendadamine nõuab suuremat usaldust riikide vahel ning leppisid kokku vastavad meetmed. Bonnis kinnitas rahvusvaheline kogukond oma pikaajalist toetust Afganistanile ning et Afganistani ei jäeta pärast 2014. aastat üksi. Afganistan lubas aga pühenduda võetud kohustuste täitmisele.

Eesti ja Afganistani kahepoolsete suhete arendamise tuleristseks minu jaoks oli kindlasti kaitseväejuhataja visiidi korraldamine Afganistani 11.-14. oktoobril. Visiidi ettevalmistamise ja läbiviimise tegid keeruliseks nii julgeolekunõuded kui ka kultuurilised erinevused eestlaste ja afgaanide asjaajamises.

Igapäevaste töökohustuste kõrval – osaliselt ka nende hulgas – on meeldivaks vahelduseks Kabulis töötavate eestlastega suhtlemine. Kabulis töötab kokku pisut üle paarikümne eestlase, kelle tööandjateks on väga erinevad institutsioonid – rahvusvahelised organisatsioonid, arengukoostööga tegelevad ühendused, eraturvafirmad.

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Hi! I’m Vahur and from the end of July I have been Chargé d’Affaires of Estonia in Afghanistan. I have to admit that during my stay in Afghanistan of last four and a half months the blogging has been a bit neglected. This period of time, however, has been very busy starting from the settling my things to the organization of the visit of Chief of Defence, and from introductory meetings with my colleagues to my ‘imprisonment’ in the Australian embassy for seven hours due the insurgency attack in Kabul. Today, the first impressions have become a daily routine, but I am still able to surprise about the dust that permeates absolutely everywhere, and the traffic in Kabul, the like of which I have not yet experienced elsewhere.

At first glance, general security in Kabul seems pretty good, but given that colleagues from the other embassies have confirmed that only a year or two ago there was a lot more freedom of movement for the international community, then in practice the situation here is quite unpredictable. This is demonstrated by the regular attacks in Kabul, the biggest of which took place on 13 September when the U.S. embassy and ISAF HQ were attacked by insurgency, and the 6 December, when the suicide bomber attack killed nearly 80 people. The mid-September attack limited substantially the movement of the international c

ommunity in Kabul – we were forced to stop the meeting with the Ambassador of Australia and to enjoy the next seven hours the Australian hospitality.

In the autumn, two major events have taken place for the future of Afghanistan – the Istanbul Conference was held on 2 November, and nearly a month later, on 5 December – the Bonn Conference. Preparations for these conferences have also kept busy the diplomatic missions in Kabul. Representatives of all countries of the region gathered in Istanbul and agree that promoting regional security and cooperation requires measures to build confidence and trust among countries. In Bonn, the international community reaffirmed its long-term support to Afghanistan and that Afghanistan will not be left alone after 2014. Afghanistan, however, promised to focus on the implementation of its commitments.

The biggest challenge of developing bilateral relations between Estonia and Afghanistan certainly was for me the organization of the visit of the Estonian Chief of Defense to Afghanistan on 11 – 14 October. Preparation and conduct of the visit was not easy due to the security conditions, as well as cultural differences in bureaucratic procedures between Estonians and Afghans.

Besides my daily duties, and partly among them as well, it is a pleasant opportunity to meet with Estonians who work in Kabul. In Kabul there live slightly more than 20 Estonians, who are employed by very different institutions – international organizations, organizations engaged in development cooperation, private security companies.

Today, Estonian infantry company Estcoy-12 Corporal Agris Hutrof was killed in Helmand. The Estonian Special Mission expresses its sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Visiit viis delegatsiooni ka Helmandisse, kus kohtusime teiste kõrval ka Eesti sõduritega. Mart Laar on tõenäoliselt esimene kaitseminister, kes ka ööbis nn eesliinil Eestlate patrullbaasis Wahid. Olud on seal ikka üsna karmid – elasime ka üle öise liivatormi, mille tõttu enamus delegatsioonist tõusis hommikul telgis üles üsna kollaka nahavärviga. Kõik kohad olid liiva täis. Järgmise hommiku hilisematel tundidel õnneks torm vaibus ja saime siiski oma programmi jätkata ja edasi lennata järgmisesse baasi. Pilte saab vaadata siit: http://www.mil.ee/~fotek/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=album1127

Kiired ajad Kabulis jätkuvad – tulemas on mitmeid rahvusvahelisi konverentse ning enne kui minu lähetus siia lõpeb, on veel üsna pikk nimekiri asju, mida on vaja ära teha.

Here in Afghanistan, time passes by with horrible speed. It is already two months since last posting and this time has been full of different meetings and activities. The most important one was the visit of Estonian Defence Minister Mart Laar on 16-19 June. As usually, the preparations for the visit are quite demanding – besides practical aspects like flights, meals, accommodation, security etc, it took quite some effort to organise and set up meetings with Afghan and international actors. From meetings, I would like to bring out one meeting that was with the Defence Ministers of UK and Denmark. The idea of organising such a meeting was on the table already for a long time and now it finally happened. This trilateral meeting was followed by a press conference, where a joint statement was released.

The visit took the delegation also to Helmand, where we met also with Estonian soldiers. Mart Laar is probably the first Minister of Defence to stay overnight on the front line, in Estonians’ patrol base Wahid. The conditions there are quite tough – during the night we got through a severe sand storm and in the morning everybody got up in their tents with a bit more yellow skin colour. Everything was full of sand. Fortunately, by the late morning, the storm calmed down and we could continue with our programme and fly to the next place. You can see pictures from here: http://www.mil.ee/~fotek/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=album1127

Fast times in Kabul will continue – there are several international conferences coming and before I leave this country, there are still many things to do.

Joint Statement by

Dr. Liam Fox, UK Minister of Defence,

Gitte Lillelund Bech, Danish Minister of Defence and

Mart Laar, Estonian Minister of Defence

after their meeting in Kabul on 16/06/2011

We are on the eve of the 5^th anniversary of our joint mission in Southern Afghanistan. Over these five years the United Kingdom, Denmark and Estonia have worked side-by-side, adopting a comprehensive approach in our mission to make excellent progress in the region. Together, under the auspices of Task Force Helmand, and with the Afghan authorities and security forces, and other NATO allies – particularly the US – we have achieved significant results in improving the security in an area previously renowned as a Taliban stronghold. We remain committed to the ISAF campaign.

We continue to build upon these gains in order to ensure irreversible progress through developing the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), who have an essential role to play in providing both security and governance in Afghanistan. Building the capacity and capability of the ANSF will increasingly allow Afghanistan to take responsibility for her own long-term security and stability. As the NATO Secretary General said “Trainers are the Ticket to Transition”. We remain committed to supporing  the NATO Training Mission Afghanistan (NTM-A) led ANSF training mission and to wider capacity building in Afghanistan and will continue to support this effort through the Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team.

These development efforts are paying dividends. We welcome the inclusion of Lashkar Gah in the first tranche of transition areas, in which we will continue to transfer lead security responsibility from ISAF to the ANSF this summer. The ANSF will be in the lead of security provision by the end of 2014 and though the nature of our forces might evolve during the Transition process, we must ensure that the mission is appropriately resourced, and a balance maintained between combat troops (to prepare the ground to allow the rest of central Helmand to enter Transition) and trainers (to further develop the ANSF). Transition will free up troops; members of ISAF who, due to transition in their areas, will be relieved from their combat tasks are encouraged to find ways to contribute their troops to regions where stability operations continue or find other means of engagement.

All three of our nations have a long term commitment to Afghanistan and, together as part of NATO, we are pressing ahead with planning how this will evolve through and beyond transition.