NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged Russia, China and other international community countries to do everything possible to respond to terrorist groups in Afghanistan. He stated this in an interview with the Sunday Telegraph newspaper.
“I fully agree that the entire international community, including Russia and China, should make efforts so that Afghanistan does not become a place where terrorist groups can act freely, organizing, planning and financing attacks in our countries”, – The Secretary General emphasized.
Stoltenberg added that NATO removes lessons from Afghan events when the power after the withdrawal of Western military contingents in the shortest possible time captured the Taliban (a terrorist organization is prohibited in Russia). He expressed confidence that the North Atlantic Alliance “openly and soberly” will consider mistakes made in 20 years of military presence in the country.
Secretary General noted that the leadership of Afghanistan also made a number of errors that allowed the Taliban to quickly take control of the situation. Among them, he pointed out corruption, the lack of clear plans to counter the Taliban, interruptions with equipment and ammunition. The final point put the flight of the President of Ashraf Gani, which finally undermined the morale of the army.
Stoltenberg clarified that Afghanistan could continue to confront the Taliban, taking into account significant funds spent by allies to ensure the safety and training of local servicemen.
Previously, the deputy spokesman for the White House Karin Jean-Pierre stated that the US manual would proceed from concrete actions, and not the words of who seized Afghanistan when making decisions on further cooperation with militants. Key issues, she called compliance with the rights of Afghan citizens to freedom of movement, the fight against terrorism, the creation of an inclusive government, maintaining progress in compliance with women and girls and observance of human rights in general.