BREAKING NEWS: Harry To Be Withdrawn From Afghanistan
Written by Joanne Leyland
Friday, 29 February 2008
The Ministry of Defence has just released a statement
announcing that Prince Harry is to be withdrawn from Afghanistan with
immediate effect following the collapse of the news blackout.
Harry was originally due to leave the
frontline in April, at the end of a 14-week tour of duty. However, his
withdrawal has now been brought forward after just 10 weeks after the
US-based Drudge Report website revealed details of the prince's front
line service.
The full MoD statement reads as follows:
"H.R.H Prince Harry will be withdrawn from Afghanistan, back
to the UK following a decision made today, Friday 29 February 2008 by
the revelant Chiefs of Staff."
"The decision by elements
of the foreign media to report Prince Harry’s presence in Afghanistan without
any consultation with the Ministry of Defence is regrettable."
"However, this was
a circumstance that we have always been aware of and one for which we have had
contingency plans in place. Whilst it had been intended that Prince Harry
should return in a matter of weeks with the remainder of the Household Cavalry
Regiment Battlegroup, the situation has now clearly changed."
"Following a detailed assessment of the risks
by the operational chain of command, the decision has been taken by Air Chief
Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, Chief of Defence Staff, in consultation with General
Sir Richard Dannatt, Chief of the General Staff, to withdraw Prince Harry from
Afghanistan immediately."
"This decision has been taken primarily on the basis that
the worldwide media coverage of Prince Harry in Afghanistan could impact on the
security of those who are deployed there, as well as the risks to him as an
individual soldier."
"Until Prince Harry returns to the UK, we
would ask that the media refrain from speculating on his current location,
timelines and routes."
"The Ministry of Defence would like to reiterate its
gratitude for the responsible attitude that the UK media has taken throughout
Prince Harry’s deployment and for the assistance of the Society of Editors in
establishing the understanding between the Ministry of Defence and the media."
Comment: I am the one that should apologize. I am really sorry for writing such a long line without taking a breath.
I know what you mean about bars and drink and I could add those silly cell phone cameras that appear to be in the hands of so many of the patrons, which on their own is a turn off, ok I will say it in the same line, I wish they were turned off, by law even.
Though I did enjoy going on vacation, going out for Japanese food, and tea, and watching the end of the rose bowl game on the big screen.
Thanx for welcoming me back
Name: Joanne
Comment: Hee hee......you can see where the confusion came in though. Very funny - always good to have a laugh at the end of a week
I'll go and hide my head in embarrassment in the corner of the room!
Not to worry!
Bye for now and welcome back exploora
Joanne
Name: Cyndi
Comment: yeah, good work Joanna. I can't imagine with every few minutes breaking news about this, how you keep it up.
Safe return to him and best of luck to those he was serving with, whom the media talked about in length including the town and location of their base. Our media and their utter stupidity never cease to amaze me.
Name: exploora
Comment: ha ha, I didn't mean you Joanne going out partying, I mean, the "royals" and their posh pals, especially if Harry makes it back for the weekend. I was speculating of course on their weekend, ha ha, not yours ha ha.
Your weekend is none of my business, of course theirs isn't either.
Sorry for the confusion.
Name: Joanne
Comment: Thanks so much for the kind comments, it really does mean a lot to me. Thank you. I knew it was worth missing The Bill last night to keep updating!
Mind you, exploora, I think you over estimate my ability or even interest in partying as I'm a 30-something old fogey who hates nightclubs and drinking. Ugh....
See, despite my overly active sense of humour, I really am very boringly moral
Joanne
Name: exploora
Comment: Yeah Joanne did a great job.
I wouldn't encourage Joanne to relax too much, this is the weekend, leap year, possible "weekend" antics and benders might be in the works.
Name: Jean Sue Libkind
Comment: Joanne, you've done a fantastic job of keeping up with this fast-breaking story. It could not have been easy but you've had all the news here quickly and correctly. I have certainly felt "in the loop." Congratulations!!!!
