23 July 2003

UN Afghanistan envoy briefs NATO Council Background NATO in Afghanistan News 22/07/2003 - NATO Visit to NATO by Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in Afghanistan Opinion Transcript of the press conference Multimedia Audio file of the press conference (.MP3 3977kb) High resolution photos Biography Biography of Lakhdar Brahimi, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in Afghanistan In a briefing to NATO Ambassadors on 23 July, the United Nations Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Dr Lakhdar Brahimi, said that there are grounds for optimism regarding the country’s future. Dr. Brahimi addressed a special meeting of NATO’s top decision-making body, the North Atlantic Council, and the 35 nations that are contributing to the international peacekeeping force in Kabul. He outlined the situation on the ground, key issues that need to be addressed and the challenges NATO troops can expect to face. On 11 August NATO will take over command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). A note of optimism Speaking at a press conference following the meeting, NATO Secretary General Lord said the briefing presented some “sobering information”, but also “a very valuable note of optimism”. “Security is the main problem, it is very serious, there are very serious problems, but it is not unmanageable at all,” Dr. Brahimi told reporters. He added that with sustained commitment from the international community “soon, relatively soon, Afghanistan will stand on its own two feet.” Robertson also reiterated the Alliance’s commitment to the success of the mission. “NATO is not an organization that goes into any mission other than to succeed. We are committed and that is what we hopefully be able to carry out after the 11th of August,” said Lord Robertson.