KABUL, Afghanistan – NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen will officially announce British Ambassador Mark Sedwill as the Senior Civilian Representative to Afghanistan today.
Amb. Sedwill will oversee and coordinate billions of dollars in reconstruction money pouring into the war torn country, and will be the civilian counterpart to U.S. General Stanley McChrystal, the top military commander in Afghanistan.
According to several Western officials in Afghanistan, Amb. Sedwill and Gen. McChrystal have a solid working relationship and Gen. McChrystal supports the move.
The appointment of Amb. Sedwill will also help alleviate concerns by other NATO countries that the NATO mission in Afghanistan was “too American.”
Reportedly, U.S. Ambassador Karl Eikenberry was also considered for the post, but NATO allies pushed for a non-American.
Amb. Sedwill will also help lead the reconciliation effort with moderate Taliban fighters – an endeavor that is gaining momentum.
Gen. McChrystal, in a recent interview with the UK Financial Times, said there has been “enough fighting” and said he hoped moderate Taliban insurgents might one day lay down their weapons and join the Afghan government.
On Thursday, Afghan and International officials will meet in London for a major conference on the future of Afghanistan – with reconciliation being a top issue.