Flags lowered as PRT closes in Bamiyan

Friday, 5 April 2013

FLAGS LOWERED: The New Zealand flag along with the Stars and Stripes and the Malaysian flag were lowered, leaving the Afghan flag flying alone.

The New Zealand flag has been lowered for the final time at Kiwibase in Bamiyan marking the official close of the Provincial Reconstruction Team and this country's 10-year involvement with it.

The United States and Malaysian flag, representing other nations in the PRT, were also lowered leaving the Afghan flag flying alone.

The Kiwi troops are due to pull out this month, although a final date has not been set, leaving just 27 personnel in a 'behind the wire' role in Kabul.

The base will now be stripped of equipment, which will be retuned to New Zealand, and the base will be handed over to Afghan security forces for use as a barracks.

At the flag-lowering ceremony Governor-General Jerry Mateparae said the final 'crib 21' rotation could now start the 13,000km trip home.

'You leave a legacy of which you can be proud.'

Sir Jerry read out the names of the 10 Kiwi soldiers who died in Afghanistan: Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell, Private Kirifi Mila, Corporal Dougie Grant, Lance Corporal Leon Smith, Corporal Dougie Hughes, Lance Corporal Rory Malone, Lance Corporal Pralli Durrer, Corporal Luke Tamatea, Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker and Private Richard Harris.

He said they had come to resists tyranny, promote democratic values and bring peace to troubled lands.

A memorial of three marble slabs was earlier unveiled in Bamiyan township to mark the Kiwi and Afghan troops who died in Bamiyan.

Nato's deputy senior civilian Andrew Steinfeld, who arrived with other official in a fleet of Black Hawk helicopters just before the event, thanked the PRT for its effectiveness. It had helped make big improvements in health outcomes, especially for children and had lifted the number of girls going to school.

He said it was appropriate Afghanistan now take the lead, but it would not have to do so alone.

Bamiyan Governor Habiba Sarabi thanked Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman for the PRT's 'remarkable service' and said the withdrawal should not indicate the end of the friendship and support of New Zealand but expected 'a more sustainable friendship and … continued humanitarian support'.

New Zealand will continue to support two 'legacy' aid projects including agriculture and the establishment of three solar powered generators that will start coming on stream in May and provide power for 2500 users in business, government buildings and residents.