NATO supports renewed Afghan peace push: Stoltenberg

KABUL (Pajhwok): NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says all allies strongly support all efforts to t find a peaceful negotiated solution in Afghanistan.

“That’s the reason why we welcome the US -Taliban agreement last year, and that’s the reason why we also support efforts to make progress in the peace process,” he said.

“I think it’s also extremely important, that all regional actors are taking part, they have their part of the responsibility for helping the peace process in Afghanistan, to go forward.”

He said the alliance would assess, discuss and consult  before moving closer to the 1st of May deadline.

“This will be one of the main issues that will be discussed among foreign ministers, when they meet in NATO, next week, and we also continue to demonstrate our commitment to the Afghan security forces, partly by continuing to train, assist and advise them, but also by continuing to provide funding for the Afghan security forces.”

“So, we will assess, we will monitor, we will consult, and then we will make the decision, as we move forward together as 30 allies, we have to remember that, of course, the US has a significant presence in Afghanistan as part of the NATO presence there.”

“But now the majority of the troops in Afghanistan, the majority of the international troops in Afghanistan they are non-US – demonstrating the strong commitment of European allies, partners around the globe, to participate in the NATO mission in Afghanistan.”

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