NATO leaders confirmed on Thursday the "firm, long-term commitment" of NATO for Afghanistan, but they also promised to help transmitting the responsibilities to the Afghan troops through an intensification of their training, according to the common declaration. "We will provide the training teams necessary to reach the objective of an efficient Afghan army of 80.000 people by 2010", according to the declaration. The document, which sets up a strategic vision for a long-term mission in Afghanistan, was approved by the Alliance and the leaders of 14 NATO member states that contribute with troops, under UN mandate, in ISAF (International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan, under NATO mandate). "We gathered in Bucharest to reaffirm our commitment to help the people and government in Afghanistan build a democratic, prosperous, secure, enduring,, stable, state, which respects the human rights and is free from terrorism menace", reads the introductory paragraph.
NATO’s strategy in Afghanistan is based on four principles, according to the document: firm, long-term commitment, responsibility and support for Afghan leaders, a comprehensive approach of the international community which combines the civilian and military efforts, more intense cooperation with Afghanistan neighbours, especially Pakistan.
According to the declaration, the NATO leaders engaged themselves to increase the troops in Afghanistan to fight the talibans, to share the difficulties of the military operations and limit the restrictions in using their troops. The allied countries promised to "support each other in sharing the difficulties faced during the military operations in this country". They also promised to "provide the military leaders the necessary instruments to succeed", covering the "lack of troops, military instructors teams and means" indispensable for the missions
French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced in a speech Thursday, saying afterwards France intends to commit 700 troops. Romania could send 120-150 soldiers in Afghanistan, under certain circumstances.
(Source: Rompres, Newsin)
