“While no ally wants to stay in Afghanistan longer than necessary, we will not leave before the time is right,” SG Stoltenberg said at conference.
“Our common goal is clear. Afghanistan should never again serve as a haven for terrorists to attack our homelands. So, our presence is conditions-based,” Mr. Stoltenberg said.
“However, peace talks remain fragile and the level of violence remains unacceptably high, including the Taliban attacks on civilians” he said. “The Taliban must reduce violence, negotiate in good faith and live up to their commitment to stop cooperating with international terrorist groups.”
NATO chief made the remarks Monday, just days before the defense ministers conference where its 30 members discuss the deployment on Wednesday and Thursday.
The fate of the alliance’s 9,600-strong support mission in Afghanistan will top the agenda of the virtual conference.
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