To decide together on future Afghan mission, says Stoltenberg

BRUSSELS (Pajhwok): NATO remained difficult but they would make decisions together about future of their mission.

Addressing the second and final day of the alliance defense ministers meeting here, the NATO chief said ‘Resolute Support Mission’ continued to train, advise and assist the Afghan security forces, as they fight terrorism and create the conditions for peace.

He said US envoy Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad kept the allies closely updated of his efforts for a peace settlement. “We fully support those efforts. We continue to consult on the implications of a possible peace deal.”

He said in Afghanistan they would take decisions together regarding future of the mission. “And of course, our military commanders are constantly assessing our posture, as they do for any NATO mission.” 

NATO defense ministers met in Brussels to discuss the alliance's military operations in Afghanistan amid indications the United States could withdraw at least some of its troops from the conflict-ridden country.

"Our mission in Afghanistan remains a top priority," Stoltenberg said at the start of the session.

Khalilzad briefed NATO ambassadors before the Brussels meeting about developments that occurred during several rounds of direct talks he has had in recent months with representatives of the Taliban's political office in Qatar.

"We strongly support the efforts to reach a political, peaceful settlement," Stoltenberg said yesterday.

The NATO chief also said "no decision has been taken about any withdrawal," adding that NATO allies would decide the future of the mission "together, based on conditions determined with the Afghans."

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