ISAF Ministers praise Afghan security forces ahead of historical Afghan elections
NATO Foreign Ministers and counterparts from ISAF partner nations met with Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmadi on Wednesday (2 April 2014) to review ISAF mission progress and to take stock of the final preparations for the Afghan presidential and provincial council elections scheduled on 5 April 2014. “While ISAF will provide support where needed, Afghan forces are in the lead across the country. And throughout the preparations for the elections, they have demonstrated commitment, courage and professionalism,” NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said after the meeting.
“It is vital that the elections are credible, inclusive and transparent. That their outcome is acceptable to the Afghan people. And that any alleged violations are addressed swiftly, through the established institutions”, NATO Secretary General added.
Ministers also discussed their continued support to Afghanistan until the end of this year, through the ISAF Mission, as well as after 2014, through the new Resolute Support Mission to train, advise and assist Afghan security forces. “We stand by our commitments to Afghanistan. But the longer it takes for the agreements to be signed, the less may be able to do. It is not our desired outcome. But if there is no agreement, there will be no mission,” Secretary General Fogh Rasmussen said.
A representative of the Office of the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy also attended the meeting.