NATO Expects Regional Countries, Including Russia, Iran to Back Afghan Peace Process
Speaking ahead of a two-day NATO foreign ministerial meeting in Brussels that began on 4 December, NATO Secretary General Jens. Stoltenberg said we expect all powers, countries in the region, including Russia and Iran to support the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.
Speaking ahead of a two-day NATO foreign ministerial meeting in Brussels that began on 4 December, NATO Secretary General Jens. Stoltenberg said we expect all powers, countries in the region, including Russia and Iran to support the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.
“We expect all powers, countries in the region, including Russian and Iran, to support this Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process and play a constructive role,” NATO Secretary General Jens. Stoltenberg said ahead of the meeting.
Mr. Stoltenberg also welcomed President Ghani’s unconditional peace talks with the Taliban, saying NATO is there to create a foundation for a political solution.
“NATO is there to create a foundation for a political solution, because we train, assist and advise the Afghan security forces, armed forces, to send a clear message to the Taliban that they will never win on the battlefield,”
In response to a question about the sustainable peace process in Afghanistan, Jens. Stoltenberg said that NATO strongly supports an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.
“NATO strongly supports an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process,”
When asked about Afghan concerns about the last 16-years achievements and the NATO’s perspective regarding peace talks with Taliban, NATO Secretary General said we strongly believe in a political settlement and that it is not for NATO to set the red lines.
“We strongly believe in a political settlement and a peace process which is Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. And therefore it’s not for NATO to set specific red lines. It’s for those sitting around the negotiating table,”
“We also welcome the progress we have seen in Afghanistan when it comes to women’s rights, democracy. And we continue to provide support to the Afghan government to modernise its institutions and strengthen its democratic processes.”
NATO’s Foreign Ministers are meeting on 4, 5 December 2018 to address a wide range of issues of importance for their shared security, including NATO’s cooperation with Georgia and Ukraine, transatlantic security, and the Alliance’s approach to the Middle East and North Africa. The Western Balkans and the security situation in Afghanistan
“It’s urgent that Russia ensures full compliance in a transparent and verifiable way. Because the INF Treaty is so important for our security.”
