- publish: 4 April 2019
- time: 12:53 pm
- category: Politics
- No: 7628
To fight terrorism and train Afghan forces, NATO stays in Afghanistan
General Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO Secretary has said NATO remains in Afghanistan to fight terrorism and to train Afghan forces.
He added the alliance has no goal to have a permanent presence in Afghanistan.
Stoltenberg made the remarks in his address to U.S. Congress on Wednesday to mark the 70th anniversary of NATO.
He emphasized that the goal of the alliance is not to stay there forever.
“We should not stay any longer than is necessary,” he added.
In regards to the future presence of NATO in Afghanistan, Stoltenberg said NATO will decide in this regard together with the United States.
The Secretary General also added that NATO fully supports the peace process, insisting that theprocess must pave the way for Afghan reconciliation.
“There can only be peace, if Afghanistan stays free from international terrorists,” he said, adding that “And for peace to be sustainable it must build on our achievements.”
According to Stoltenberg, NATO has created the conditions for social and economic progress. “Bringing education and human rights to women and girls. Their rights must be preserved.”