KABUL (SW): In an exclusive interview with Salam Watandar (SW), Col. Carol Paraniak, spokesman for the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission (RSM) in Afghanistan, said the alliance would spare no efforts in ensuring lasting security in Afghanistan, and would never allow Afghanistan to become a safe haven for terrorists.
This comes at a time when the NATO members and allies are set to meet in Warsaw, Poland for the upcoming Summit on July 8 and 9. Besides a number of global security issues, the heads of states and government at Warsaw are also likely to have special session on Afghanistan to decide future strategy for the war-torn country.
“At NATO Summit in Warsaw, we expect our heads [NATO heads of states] to commit to the following: Sustain our non-combat [Resolute Support Mission] beyond 2016 to continue to deliver training, advice and assistance to the Afghan security forces. Secondly, continue measures of contribution to the financial sustainment of Afghan security forces including until the end of 2020 [and] last, a long term political partnership and practical cooperation”.
He noted that in Warsaw, the alliance expects Afghanistan to commit to strengthening the security institutions including through enhanced leadership skills, effective civilian control and respect for human rights.
The spokesman noted that Afghanistan is expected to continue to pursue reforms including rooting out corruption, promoting transparency and foster economic development.
He also emphasized upon the protection of children."Take further steps to protect children from the damage or effect of all conflicts”. On the core issue of gender equality, he said that the RSM would “Continue empowering women; participate fully and in all respects in the society and political processes.
The RSM spokesman said that terrorism was not an issue confined to Afghanistan. Acknowledging the capabilities of the Afghan security forces, he said that these forces have made great progress and their capabilities in the joint operations are just a ‘glaring’ example. Col. Carol further added that since January 2015, the Afghan security forces have fully taken the security responsibility throughout the country.
He mentioned that the Afghan forces have shifted their strategy from a defensive one in 2015 to a more offensive one against the rebels in 2016.
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