Chargé d’Affaires Eddins Lauds Slovak Contributions, Military and Civilian, to Afghanistan

Slovakia in Afghanistan

First, a few examples:

• Handlova regional television journalists demonstrate digital video production techniques to their counterparts in Afghanistan's multi-ethnic Kunduz province.
• Slovak trainers from People in Peril, along with the Afghan Women's Resource Center, provide fresh perspectives on women's rights to men and boys in five rural Afghan provinces.
• Bratislava citizens intently study the photos taken by Martin Crep of ordinary Afghan street life, on public display in Hviezdoslav square.

Why does Afghanistan matter? Why should Slovaks be interested in a far-away land? Why put Slovak troops in harm’s way?

I recognize that the connections between a traditional Moslem country, where democracy is still being built and gunfire still rings out on a daily basis, and a modern Western society like Slovakia are not obvious.

Afghanistan has suffered invasions, violent changes of government and repressive leaders. Its problems might well appear too complex -- and too distant -- for a small Central European country to care about, much less seek to address.

But I am glad to say this is not the case.

Slovakia has made a democratic and functioning Afghanistan a top priority: Slovak troops are committed to the NATO mission there. Slovak Aid is providing financial assistance. Slovak non-governmental organizations have projects in many regions of Afghanistan. And Slovak families are using so-called distance-adopting to help Afghan kids.

My colleagues and I at the U.S. Embassy have been impressed with the way Slovaks have reached out to this far-away country in crisis. And the international community has noticed Slovakia's willingness to export its democratic lessons to Afghanistan.

Slovakia has made a military contribution to NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Slovakia currently has 227 soldiers in ISAF mission and the government has approved a proposal to send an additional 16 soldiers in support of local elections on August 20. NATO and the EU have recognized the threat of a failed state in Afghanistan as a threat to our common security. It is fitting that Slovakia – as a NATO ally – is doing its part in ISAF, and actively seeking to do more.

In his recent visit to Washington, Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak discussed Slovakia's role in Afghanistan with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, President Obama’s National Security Advisor James L. Jones at the White House, and Under Secretary of Defence Michele Flournoy at the Pentagon. All agreed that NATO countries must put more emphasis on the civilian aspects of our mission, which should complement and gradually overtake the international military presence in Afghanistan.

And this is what Slovak Aid is preparing to do. Slovakia’s official foreign assistance agency has obligated EUR 550,000 for Afghanistan this year and anticipates spending more in the future. This funding, which will support projects run by Slovak non-government organizations, is targeted at strengthening Afghan civil society, democratic institutions, social development, and the creation of free market business activities.

Of course, it is not only the Slovak government that is reaching out to help Afghans. What I find most inspiring is that so many Slovaks -- who learned difficult lessons in building democracy at the local and national level in the 1990s -- are so eager to share their expertise with Afghans.

Our Embassy has worked closely with several Slovak organizations as they develop and implement projects. In some cases we have been able to provide funding to supplement budgets given by Slovak Aid and other development organizations.

People in Peril, for example, has run successful projects with the Afghan Women Resource Center in the central provinces of Afghanistan since 2004. These projects have focused mainly on education for girls and women, income generation, civic rights, and community leadership. Since 2006, People in Peril has also operated a distance-adoption scheme with the Afghan organization, Aschiana. Slovak families have helped provide education for 55 Kabul children forced to work for their family's living on the streets.

Another Slovak NGO, On Your Side – affiliated with Handlova TV -- maintains on-going professional training for Kunduz regional television. With Embassy support, the Handlova journalists provide technical expertise and have also shown their Afghan colleagues how to do unbiased community reporting and maintain professional relationships with the local government.

The international community appreciates the excellent work of the Slovak government, its military, and Slovak non-governmental organizations in Afghanistan. Slovak soldiers have already contributed a great deal to Afghanistan, including protecting the Kabul airport and repairing runways, clearing mines, and providing medical services. Slovakia is now drawing on its unique history to assist in the rebuilding of civil society. Talented Slovak organizations have raised the quality of life for women and children.

Your country’s presence in Afghanistan demonstrates that Slovakia has influence far beyond its borders. And Slovaks and Afghans alike are better for that.