NATO, allies want peace parleys to succeed: Kay

KABUL’s Senior Civilian Representative (SCR) Nicholas Kay says all partners of the alliance want peace talks to succeed and fully support US efforts for reconciliation in the war-ravaged country.

During a live twitter interaction, where he answered many question regarding peace, foreign troop drawdown and other matters, the SCR made clear NATO’s train, advice and assistance mission was condition-based and the alliance would not stay in Afghanistan longer than needed.

He said disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration should be a central part of the peace processes and the people of Afghanistan would decide about future security forces.  NATO continued to support Afghan forces, as they created the conditions for peace, he added.

Reminded of the extension of German troops’ stay in Afghanistan for another year, he said: “Germany is playing a key role in the framework of the Resolute Support mission  and is a leading nation in the north to train, advise and assist Afghan security forces.”

Referring to the pace of peace talks, the envoy said: “Peace doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that will require intra-Afghan talks and a multitude of voices to be heard. Troop levels depend on the outcome of negotiations.

Kay stressed sustainable peace required an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue involving all parties and NATO allies and partners stood ready to support Afghan civil society. Any peace settlement must be built on the gains of the last 17 years.

“My top priority is to support a sustainable peace settlement in 2019 so that Afghans can build a brighter future,” he said, adding continued interest in peace talks from both sides was positive in itself.

He hoped intra-Afghan talks, essential for lasting peace and political solution, would take place soon. Kay recalled the EU, the US and NATO were working for peace in Afghanistan. “Our goal is the same — to see sustainable peace in Afghanistan,” he concluded.

nh/mud

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