Canadian commander leads NATO's RC-S

OTTAWA, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- NATO announced Canadian Maj. Gen. Marc Lessard has assumed command of the 12,000-soldier NATO international security assistance force in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Lessard took over command from British Maj. Gen. Jacko Page of NATO's regional command-south based in six provinces in the southern region of Afghanistan until November 2008. Officials say the ISAF command includes troops from Canada and 11 other nations, the Canadian National Defense reported.

"I see two priorities; firstly, to increase security within the region in order to ensure the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan exercises its legitimate authority," Lessard said in a statement. "The second priority is to coordinate to the greatest extent, the aspects of governance and development within the overall security framework."

Officials say RC-S conducts military operations working closely with the Afghan National Security Force in an effort to offer security from the Taliban militant forces in Afghanistan and to facilitate reconstruction.

"The appointment of Maj.-Gen. Marc Lessard to Commander of Regional Command South demonstrates Canada's commitment to NATO and to the Afghans we are there to help," said Gen. Rick Hillier. "Maj.-Gen Lessard's leadership will be of great value as we strive towards greater security and consequent increased development in the South of Afghanistan."