NATO is discussing extension of funding for the Afghanistanian forces beyond 2020, chief of thesaid on Wednesday ahead of its defense ministerial meeting.
Jens Stoltenberg said that allies and partners are stepping up their commitments to Afghanistan with both forces and funding as he said that the alliance added 3,000 trainers to its mission in the country.
He said that the Afghanistanian forces are performing with professionalism and bravery and creating the conditions for a political settlement.
“We must continue to assist them to support President Ghani’s bold initiative for peace and to encourage continued reforms to fight corruption and uphold human rights,” Stoltenberg said.
In February, President Ghani made an offer of peace talks to the Taliban including ceasefire, recognition as political party and release of its prisoners. But the group dismissed the overtures and launched its annual spring offensive.
“We have to convince the Taliban that they cannot win on the battlefield and therefore create conditions for a negotiated solution” Stoltenberg said. “Taliban have to understand that they will obtain more through a negotiated peaceful solution than through continued fighting.”
Asked about reports suggesting decrease in number of girls attending schools in Afghanistan, Stoltenberg said that any such report is of concern.
He said that it underlines the need to reach a peaceful solution.
“We have to prevent Taliban from getting control because they are denying… they are against education for young girls,” Stoltenberg said.
LINK: https://www.ansarpress.com/english/10054
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