Kabul: The Nato allies and partners vowed to stand by Afghanistan after the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission ends by the end of next year.
The progress in Afghanistan and planning for post-2014 Nato mission which includes training, advise and assist of Afghan security forces was discussed by Nato Allies and ISAF partners, according to Khaama Press.
The meeting was also attended by Afghan defense minister, Gen. Bismillah Mohammadi and representatives from the European Union and the United Nations.
Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said “We have moved closer to putting that mission in place. Our military commanders have reviewed planning and identified in broad terms the key elements we require to set up the mission.”
Rasmussen further added that Afghan forces took the lead for providing security nation-wide in June “and they have shown that they are up to the job.”
“Currently, they are leading more than 1,000 patrols a day. They are planning and conducting complex operations in all parts of the country and they are developing their skills in areas such as helicopter air support. All of this is to achieve the best possible position from which they will assume full responsibility for security at the end of 2014,” he underlined.
He also stressed that Allies and partners will continue to stand by Afghanistan after the ISAF mission ends in December 2014. Defence Ministers moved ahead in their planning for the Nato-led post 2014 Resolute Support mission.
The Nato Secretary General also pointed towards the upcoming presidential election in Afghanistan and said, “And our plans will be further developed and closely coordinated with the Afghan government.”
The implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security was also reviewed by Nato Allies and partners.
That review has been published. It sets out the areas where Nato is doing well and areas where more work is needed.
Agencies
