Prepared testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee (Washington, D.C.).(Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates)(Speech)

Publication: U.S. Department of Defense Speeches

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COPYRIGHT 2008 U.S. Department of Defense Speeches

As Submitted by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Washington, D.C., Thursday, April 10, 2008

Mr. Chairman, members of the committee:

I appreciate the opportunity to be here to discuss the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. As always, I thank the members of the committee for your support of the Department of Defense, but, more importantly, your support of our men and women in uniform. While there have been--and will continue to be--debates over our strategy in these campaigns, I know we are all unified in our admiration for those who have volunteered to serve.

Let me begin with a few words about Afghanistan.

Last week, I attended the NATO summit in Bucharest with the President and the Secretary of State. As you know, progress was made in some key areas:

* First, NATO leaders unanimously reaffirmed the importance of success in Afghanistan and renewed their commitment to the ISAF mission. This alone is a very significant event when one considers that domestic opposition in Europe has hardened as operational demands have greatly increased in the 17 months since NATO leaders met at Riga. Despite the challenges, NATO partners are standing together and standing firm;

* Underlining this point, a strategic vision document was adopted that lays out the alliance's goals over the next three to five years;

* A senior U.N. representative was appointed to coordinate development and reconstruction efforts; and

* Several allies pledged additional forces, most notably France, who will...

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