President Karzai and Abdurrashid Dostam

Afghanistan: Security for President Karzai and Abdurrashid Dostam

Question: Is the Bureau of Diplomatic Security protecting President Karzai?

Answer: The Bureau of Diplomatic Security has provided security for President Karzai since November 2002 at the direction of the Secretary of State. President Karzai’s security detail is comprised of Diplomatic Security special agents, private U.S. contractors, and Afghan civilian security personnel.

Question: What contact will the Bureau of Diplomatic Security have with Mr. Dostam?

Answer: The Bureau of Diplomatic Security does not expect to have any contact with Mr. Dostam in his role as President Karzai’s Chief of Staff for Military Affairs.

2005/277

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 3, 2005 Question Taken At March 3, 2005 Daily Press Briefing