NATO Chief calls for greater role for India, China and Russia; Karzai: Afghan forces will have full responsibility of security by 2014; Clinton says Afghan cabinet is “honest, effective, and productive”;
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Whatsapp
  • Linkedin
  • Print

    • At the Munich Security Conference, NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen advocated a "stronger, (and a) more inclusive security coalition" which includes countries like India, China and Russia to tackle terrorism in Afghanistan. He added that India “has a stake in Afghan stability.”1 President Karzai in his speech asserted that by 2014, "Afghan forces will have full responsibility for security throughout the country, with international forces continuing to serve in the capacity of providing backup and assistance.” Karzai added that the strength of the Afghan army and the national police force will rise to 300,000 by 2012."2

    US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meanwhile in an interview to CNN praised the members of the new Karzai government as “honest, effective, and productive.”3 Defence Secretary Robert Gates on his part told the Fox News network that any reconciliation drive with the Taliban had to be consistent with the terms of the Afghan constitution. He added that the US supported reintegration of moderate elements but that it had serious reservations with regard to reconciliation with the Taliban leadership.4

    The visiting French Prime Minister Francois Fillon pledged long-term support in security and reconstruction of Afghanistan and assured President Karzai that French troops would remain in Afghanistan as long as their presence was needed.5 The Italian Ambassador to Afghanistan Claudio Glaentzer told a press conference in Kabul on February 9 that the Italian government will provide 25 million euros during the first six months of 2010 in order to promote health, agriculture, among other sectors.6

    NATO forces launched a large security operation involving more than 15,000 Afghan and international troops in the town of Marja on February 13 against Taliban militants. NATO spokesperson stated that a gradual transfer of the security responsibility to Afghan forces would start after the Marja operation.7 In related developments, at least 10 civilians were reportedly killed in a rocket strike by ISAF during an ongoing offensive in southern Helmand province. Gen. McChrystal "deeply regretted” the loss of civilian life."8

    Top