The Dutch government has published the contents of a request by NATO to continue the Dutch military and civilian presence in the Afghan province of Uruzgan. For the full letter of the Secretary-General, click here.

The essentials:

– Another country will take over the Dutch role as ‘lead nation’ in Uruzgan on August 1st.
– During twelve months after that date, the Netherlands is asked to focus “on increased training of Afghan security forces and on responsible transition”.
– The transition (to Afghan authorities and/or other ISAF nations) is said to relate “to the current tasks, projects and activities of the (Dutch-led, hdv) Task Force Uruzgan, notably your civilian-led PRT”. The Netherlands will remain in charge of the PRT (Provincial Reconstruction Team).
– In addition, the Netherlands is asked to continue its current deployment of F-16 fighter planes at Kandahar Airfield, and its staff personnel.
– Finally, NATO says that the new Dutch mission will end on August 1st 2011 and that the redeployment is assured as of that date.