Afghan exit risks to our own security: Stoltenberg

KABUL, but the cost of leaving would be even higher.”

“If NATO forces leave too soon, there is a risk that Afghanistan may return to a state of chaos and become once again a safe haven for international terrorism,” the NATO chief said during a joint press conference with Afghan President Asrhaf Ghani and US Secretary for Defense Jim Mattis.

“The last time that happened, it led to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States, in which almost 3,000 people were murdered. We cannot allow that to happen again,” said Stoltenberg, who along with Mattis arrived in Kabul on a surprise visit.

Explaining possible risks if the western military alliance abruptly leaves Afghanistan, the NATO chief said it would also risk further instability in the region, including refugees fleeing for the safety of Europe.

“These risks to our own security, to our own societies, and to our own credibility are too great, and they would be devastating for the Afghan people.”

“NATO doesn’t quit when the going gets tough. We keep our promises,” said the NATO chief, who welcomed US President Trump’s new, conditions-based approach to Afghanistan and the region.

“With NATO’s help, Afghan forces have come a very long way. Today, they lead the fight against the Taliban and international terrorist groups, and they are putting real pressure on the enemy,” Stoltenberg said.

“As they do so, we will continue to work with them in many different areas, including supporting Afghan Special Forces, building up the Afghan Air Force and strengthening Command and Control.”

Stoltenberg said NATO was committed to funding the Afghan security forces until at least 2020, and they would continue to provide almost a billion dollars each year to the Afghan defence and security forces.

“So we will stay committed, and we count on the Afghan government to make good on its commitments on key reforms for good governance, the rule of law, fighting corruption and protecting the rights of all its people, including women and girls.”
“And we need continued efforts towards a lasting, inclusive political solution to this conflict. The Taliban must understand that they cannot win on the battlefield. They have much more to gain around the negotiating table. I encourage the Afghan government to prepare the ground for peace and reconciliation.”

Stoltenberg welcomed the Kabul Process and encouraged all countries in the region to support the process, to play a constructive role in helping to stabilise Afghanistan and to shut down sanctuaries for extremist groups.

“No-one underestimates the challenges this country faces, but I know that together we have the resilience and the determination to make Afghanistan stable and secure, for all of its people, and for our own security.”

pr/ma