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| Last update: 23-Aug-2006 11:34 | NATO Update |
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Development and governance a priority,
NATO’s outgoing Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan, Hikmet Çetin, said NATO is keeping its eyes firmly on the goal of creating the conditions for development and the return of effective government in Afghanistan. “NATO/ISAF is fighting hard where it has to, but it is also keeping its eyes firmly on the goal of creating the conditions for development and the return of effective government, security, development and good governance. None can stand on its own,” he told reporters during a farewell press conference. “That strategy is the right one, to demonstrate to the people of the Afghanistan that their government and its international allies have a clear vision to improve their lives,” he added. Long-term commitment He stressed that success will require a long-term commitment not just of NATO but the whole international community, and more resources than are currently committed. “This year is a critical year, to push back the threat of the insurgents, and to succeed, to build on the progress of last years we need to be efficient, well coordinated, determined and to tackle problems such as corruption, which undermine the faith of the people.” Mr. Çetin emphasized just how much NATO’s role and presence in Afghanistan had grown over the past years. “When NATO took on the ISAF mission our role was restricted to assisting with security in the Kabul area. Now three years later we are on the verge of taking over the security assistance mission throughout Afghanistan,” he said. “The main point is that for the great majority of Afghan people, including the millions of returning refugees, life is better.” Mr. Çetin was appointed NATO’s Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan in January 2004, to advance the political-military aspects of the Alliance's engagement in Afghanistan. His term will end on 24 August 2006.
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