Gen. Parker takes interim charge of NATO forces in Afghanistan
World
Gen. Parker takes interim charge of NATO forces in Afghanistan
British Lieutenant General Nick Parker has taken interim command of NATO's Afghan forces after US General Stanley McChrystal was relieved of his duties.Parker, who was McChrystal's deputy in Afghanistan, would remain in the position until General David Petraeus is formally installed as the commander of international forces in the country. The decision came in a conversation between Prime Minister David Cameron and US President Barack Obama, after the president dismissed McChrystal earlier Wednesday after he made disparaging remarks in a magazine interview, said the British government. The British Deputy Commander of (NATO's International Security Assistance Force) ISAF, Lt Gen Nick Parker, has assumed command, said a statement. The Prime Minister has spoken to General Parker and told the president of General Parker's determination that the mission in Afghanistan 'would not miss a beat' during this period. Obama and Cameron pledged their commitment to their strategy in Afghanistan, said Downing Street, despite McChrystal's controversial sacking. Britain has around 9,500 troops in Afghanistan and is the second biggest contributor of forces to ISAF after the United States.
.jpg)
