MONITORING (SW) – NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said the Alliance has decided and reiterated again and again that its presence in Afghanistan is conditions-based.
He said this ahead of NATO defense minister meeting in Brussels. Stoltenberg said NATO has adjusted its presence as part of the peace process, but any further decision on further adjustment of the NATO presence in Afghanistan will be made based on assessment on the conditions on the ground and on whether Taliban meets their commitments under the US-Taliban agreement
He said in Afghanistan, NATO has around 12,000 troops in the Alliance’s biggest mission. “As part of the peace process, we have adjusted our presence.Any further adjustments remain conditions-based. The Taliban must live up to their commitments, significantly reduce the levels of violence, and pave the way for a ceasefire. They must break all ties with Al-Qaeda and other international terrorist groups. And they must negotiate in good faith”, he said.
Stoltenberg stressed the talks in Doha offer the best chance for peace in a generation. “They must preserve the gains made at such high price over the last two decades, including for women and girls. NATO remains committed to Afghanistan’s long-term security. And just this week, NATO Allies and partners renewed their commitment to provide financial support to the Afghan forces through 2024”, said the NATO Secretary General.
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