MultiVu Digital Center Feed: Deputy Secretary of State Jacob J. Lew Briefing
on Civilian Deployment in Afghanistan

    

    DATELINE CITY:   October 26, 2009, Washington, DC

    FORMAT:  Soundbites

    STORY SUMMARY:
    
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<p>Deputy Secretary of State <person>Jacob Lew</person> briefed journalists on the current progress of the 2009 U.S. civilian hiring and deployment of employees in <location>Afghanistan</location>, and how the Administration's strategic goals and timelines were being met.</p>
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<p>RESOURCES:   Video, hard copy requests, contact information and more available at <a href="http://thedigitalcenter.com/projects/1128-deputy-secretary-of-state-jacob-j-lew-">http://thedigitalcenter.com/projects/1128-deputy-secretary-of-state-jacob-j-lew-</a> briefing-on-civilian-deployment-in-afghanistan-</p>
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    www.state.gov

    SOUNDBITES:
    
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<p>Clip #1: (1:09) Deputy Secretary Lew at Podium: Verbatim: Our civilian experts who are deploying in <location>Afghanistan</location> are a critical component of the President's strategy to defeat al-Qaeda and deny it safe haven and return.  Since March, following the President's strategic review, our assistance strategy has really concentrated on the main goals of the Riedel report - improving Afghan governance, providing security, justice, jobs and services, and giving the Afghan people a meaningful alternative as much as possible to the Taliban's recruiting.</p>
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<p>I just want to underscore promoting governance and economic development are essential civilian components to a coordinated civilian-military counterinsurgency plan.  And the core civilian assistance mission won't change.  The key to our strategy is to get the right people in the right place at the right time.  And I'm really proud of the top-quality people that we are enlisting to move to <location>Afghanistan</location>, where they're going to be living and working in very difficult conditions, often living beside their military colleagues.</p>
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<p>Clip #2:  (:43) Deputy Secretary Lew at Podium:  Verbatim the details have been worked out for the most part in the time that General McChrystal's been in place.  So the - our deployment of civilians very much reflects both his strategy of direct contact with the Afghan people.  I think that the focus on local leadership, sub-national government is very strong.  And I think it's shared between Ambassador Eikenberry and General McChrystal, and there's a very clear sense that it's not going to provide a lasting impact unless the resources and the people we send can get to the places where they're needed.</p>
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<p>Clip #3:  (:18) Wide shot of Deputy Secretary Lew at Podium - broll to use for cutaway</p>
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    Clip #4:  (:10) Graphic showing 2009 civilian hiring progress in
Afghanistan

    Clip#5:  (:10) Graphic showing ISAF Military Presence in Afghanistan

    
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<p>Clip #6:  (:10) Graphic showing U.S. Integrated Military and Civilian Presence in <location>Afghanistan</location></p>
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    VIDEO PROVIDED BY:  U.S. Department of State

    
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<p> </p>
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    Media contact:
    Joan Storck
    [phone]
    [email protected]

    FOR TECHNICAL INFORMATION OR HARD COPY, PLEASE E-MAIL:
[email protected]

    /PRNewswire -- Oct. 26/


    

For further information: Web Site: http://www.state.gov Video: http://thedigitalcenter.com/projects/1128-deputy-secretary-of-state-jacob-j-lew-briefing-on-civilian-deployment-in-afghanistan-