Afghanistan Times
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KABUL: NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg in a pre-ministerial press conference on Monday reiterated that the presence of the alliance’s troops in Afghanistan is “conditions-based,” saying “we will not leave before the time is right.”
“Our common goal is clear. Afghanistan should never again serve as a haven for terrorists to attack our homelands. So, our presence is conditions-based,” Stoltenberg said. While no ally wants to stay in Afghanistan longer than necessary, we will not leave before the time is right.”
“However, peace talks remain fragile and the level of violence remains unacceptably high, including the Taliban attacks on civilians. The Taliban must reduce violence, negotiate in good faith and live up to their commitment to stop cooperating with international terrorist groups,” he said.
He said that NATO strongly supports the peace process in Afghanistan. “This is the best chance for a lasting political solution.”
“We will continue to take more measures to ensure the safety of our troops and consider next steps in a deliberate and coordinated way,” he said.
“We also realize that one of the best weapons we have in the fight against terrorism is to train local forces,” he said.
NATO will closely consult on the way forward in Afghanistan and that all allies support the Afghan peace process and that no ally wants to stay in Afghanistan longer than necessary, but the threat of the country being used as a safe haven for terrorists must be considered, he added.
