Afghanistan hails NATO chief’s remarks on troop pullout

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has welcomed the latest statement by NATO Secretary General, Jen Stoltenberg on the alliance mission in Afghanistan.

Two days ago, Stoltenberg, at a press conference in Brussels, expressed his support for Afghan security forces and said NATO would not withdraw its troops unless the time was appropriate.

At their two days meeting, beginning today, NATO defense ministers are expected to take important decisions regarding Afghanistan.

MoFA said in a statement that it hailed the recent statement of the NATO secretary general and the alliance calling for the Taliban to reduce violence, cut relations with International terror organizations and enforce the Doha agreement.

MoFA claimed the Afghan government had enforced its commitment towards the Doha peace accord by releasing thousands of Taliban prisoners. But the Taliban had not kept their promises; rather they have increased violence, the ministry alleged.

“For a successful outcome of the peace talks, both sides must honour their promises,” MoFA stressed.

NATO’s Senior Civilian Representative Stefano Pontecorvo met Hanif Atmar, the minister of foreign affairs, and discussed the defense ministers’ conference and the Afghan peace process.

hr/mud