No unilateral troop cut in Afghanistan: Pentagon chief

BRUSSELS (Pajhwok): The Pentagon chief on Thursday said Washington would not unilaterally withdraw from Afghanistan.

After talks with fellow NATO defence ministers in Brussels, Patrick Shanahan said Washington would not act alone and there would be no unilateral troop reduction.

“That was one of the messages in the meeting today. It will be coordinated. We work together," he said after the two day meeting, which came after a tour of Kabul and Baghdad for Shanahan.

"I feel as though we're creating the diplomatic leverage Ambassador Khalilzad needs. We really need to talk about the possibility for peace. This may be our moment."

Shanahan's commitment was welcome news to Germany, which has been a frequent target for US criticism since Trump came to power, particularly over its defence spending.

German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen said it was important that "there will be no unilateral decisions by the Americans, but that every step, every strategic step in Afghanistan will be discussed within the circle of NATO defence ministers".

NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said “it is very important that the Afghan government as soon as possible becomes fully integrated in the peace process.".

"Without that there will be no lasting peace and no strong institutions to make sure any peace agreement is fully enforced."

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