NATO to take over in Afghanistan on Oct 5

Kabul, Oct 3 (UNI) NATO will assume responsibility for security across the whole of Afghanistan from October 5 after it expands its command in the east, the organisation's new Civilian Representative Ambassador Daan Everts announced today.

Addressing his maiden press conference here Ambassador Everts said the move reflected the continued commitment of the international community and NATO to the country.

The take over of the eastern command by NATO will also complete the process of transition of 12,000 US troops bringing them under NATO and ISAF control. NATO led ISAF command and control will be taken over by the British troops.

However, around 8,000 American troops will continue to operate under the US-led Coalition Forces and will be responsible in continuing their mission in combating terror.

The US will assume the role of lead nation in NATO-ISAF troops in February.

Ambassador Everts denied that there was a shortage of troops saying ISAF was confident it could handle the situation with the current troop levels. He said several new countries had also shown initiative in wanting to contribute to PRTs (provincial reconstructive teams, the civilian face of the military).

Mr Everts said there was clearly a cross border element to the whole Taliban phenomenon and said it was good that this had been officially acknowledged across all the capitals including by Pakistan. Diplomatic contacts on political and military front were being stepped up in order to make concrete arrangements to address the cross border threat.

President Karzai's initiative to convene two 'loya jirgas' on either side of the border was something that had to be welcomed, he said.

Asked if the Taliban could be included in government, Mr Everts said that reconciliation had to be pursued as long as it did not detract from bringing rule of law, democracy and human decency to society.

Ambassador Everts said the situation in Afghanistan was critical for both the country and the NATO-ISAF troops. The intensive engagement in the south had indeed put the resolve of NATO to test but the answer to the challenge of the Taliban had been very convincing both politically and militarily. Operation Medusa had delivered a devastating blow and defeat to the Taliban, he said.

He said, politically, the special agreement of enduring cooperation and partnership signed between NATO and the Afghan government exemplified NATO's commitment. The next half year, however, would continue to test international resolve.

UNI XC PR MIR HT1855