S/2003/159
Letter dated 27 January 2003 from
the Permanent Representative of Belgium to the United Nations addressed
to the Secretary-General
I have the honour to inform you that the Government of Belgium has decided, pursuant to Security Council resolutions 1386 (2001) and 1444 (2002), to join in carrying out the tasks entrusted to the International Security Assistance Force, by sending a 160-person contingent to Afghanistan.
The majority of the troops will be assigned to internal security duties at the Kabul airport. A smaller number of troops will participate in the operation of the headquarters of the International Security Assistance Force, the airport platform and the support hospital, and will provide logistical support for the contingent. The Belgian unit will have a six-month mandate.
In addition, Belgium is offering at the same time, but outside the framework of the International Security Assistance Force, 400 flight hours for the transport of humanitarian supplies. The modalities of Belgian participation will be determined in consultation with the command of the Force.
I should be grateful if you would have this letter circulated as a Security Council document.
(Signed) Jean de Ruyt
Ambassador
Permanent Representative