City
Epaper

NATO to back Afghan forces after peace deal: Envoy

By IANS | Published: August 29, 2019 11:40 AM

NATO Senior Civilian Representative for Afghanistan, Nicolas Kay, said that international forces will remain in Afghanistan even after a peace agreement in order to support the national defence and security forces.

Open in App

Addressing the Model United Nations meeting in Kabul on Wednesday, Kay said NATO will also help the Afghan government and the country's election management body in holding the presidential election scheduled for September 28, TOLO News reported.

Kay said there is a need for NATO military presence in Afghanistan until all threats are eliminated from the country.

"Let me assure you very very clearly, NATO is not leaving, NATO is committed to staying and supporting Afghan national defence and security forces," the envoy said.

While Washington's peace efforts with the Taliban have raised scepticisms on whether the Afghan presidential election will be held in the specific timeline, the NATO envoy said the alliance will fully support Afghans to conduct the polls.

"Let me be clear on the NATO position, our NATO task is to support the security for the elections, and we are supporting Afghan national security and defense forces prepare for elections on the 28 of September," he said.

He also said that the alliance will work together with Afghans to protect the gains the country has made in its strides towards democracy such as human rights, civil liberties, women's rights, strengthening of the role of women and the youths in the peace process.

Kay's comments come on the same day the Taliban said they were close to reach an agreement with the US as the two sides continued their negotiations in Qatar on peace in Afghanistan.

US officials and leaders of Afghan Taliban are currently holding the ninth round of peace talks in the Qatari capital.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: NatoKAYTalibanAfghanistanus
Open in App

Related Stories

InternationalUS: 12-Year-Old Boy Receives World's First Commercially Approved Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease

Social ViralTornado in US: Dashcam Records Terrifying Video of Cyclonic Storm Devastating Warehouse in Nebraska

NationalAfghanistan Consul General Zakia Wardak Resigns After DRI Intercepts Her With Gold Worth Rs 18 Crore at Mumbai Airport

InternationalDog Attack in US: Police Officer Shoots at Pack of Pit Bulls as They Maul Man in Philadelphia; Disturbing Video Goes Viral

InternationalAfghanistan Shooting: Gunman Kills Six Worshippers in Mosque in Herat Province

International Realted Stories

InternationalCanadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly Stands by Allegations Against India on Nijjar Killing Despite Lack of Proof

InternationalCIA Director to reach Israel today, hold talks with Netanyahu

InternationalAstraZeneca withdraws COVID-19 vaccine worldwide, cites commercial reasons

InternationalCanada's ex-Defence Minister rubbishes report claiming Trudeau forced to accept meeting about Sikh activists to land in Punjab during 2018 trip

InternationalAstraZeneca Withdraws COVID-19 Vaccine Globally Days After Side Effect Row, Firm Says Decision ‘Commercial’