NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg  at the North Atlantic Council meeting in Brussels, Belgium Aug. 20, 2021 to discuss situation in Afghanistan. 

By Gary Raynaldo      DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

NATO expressed deep concern over the high levels of violence caused by the Taliban’s offensive in Afghanistan capital city Kabul including attacks on civilians and targeted civilians.  NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also warned the Taliban that the international community will not recognize the Islamist military organization if they take the country by force.  Stoltenberg made the comments Friday as  NATO Foreign Ministers held an extraordinary meeting  to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.  Afghanistan fell under Taliban control after the Islamist militant group seized the capital of Kabul earlier in August to the surprise of the international community. 

“NATO Foreign Ministers have just met to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. What we have witnessed in recent days is a tragedy for the people of Afghanistan. The situation remains very difficult, and unpredictable. The Taliban need to understand that they will not be recognised by the international community if they take the country by force.  We remain committed to supporting a political solution to the conflict.”

-NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg. 

800 NATO Civilian Personnel Working To Keep Afghan Airport Open

The NATO chief said the continuing evacuation of people from Allied and  partner countries, and Afghans who worked with allies is the immediate priority.  “NATO has worked around the clock to maintain operations at Kabul international airport, allowing thousands of people to leave. Around 800 NATO civilian personnel have worked to keep the airport open,”  Stoltenberg said during a press conference Friday.   Secretary General Stoltenberg made it clear that NATO expects  the Taliban to uphold their commitments, and ensure that Afghanistan does not again become a safe haven for international terrorism.

“The Taliban must put an end to violence around the country, and uphold the fundamental rights of all Afghan citizens – men, women and children.”   NATO chief. 

Stoltenberg admitted there are hard questions that NATO allies  need to ask over their engagement in Afghanistan.

“We were clear-eyed about the risks of withdrawing our troops. But the speed of the collapse of the Afghan political and military leadership, and armed forces was not anticipated. There are many lessons to be learned.  And I intend to conduct a thorough assessment of NATO’s engagement in Afghanistan. North America and Europe must continue to stand together in NATO. ” 

NATO chief said  Allies’  goal is to stand by Afghan government-  NATO Diplomatic Presence Remains in KABUL

“Our aim remains to support the Afghan government and security forces as much as possible. The security of our personnel is paramount. NATO will maintain our diplomatic presence in Kabul, and continue to adjust as necessary.”

PAKISTAN Role in Consensus Building in Afghanistan 

A reporter asked Stoltenberg about Pakistan role in building consensus in Afghanistan: 

“I think what is important now is that whatever new government, we will get in Kabul, that this is an inclusive government. And everything that can help to support such a process I think is helpful. When it comes to Pakistan, I think that Pakistan has a special responsibility, partly because Pakistan is a neighbour of Afghanistan and partly because of Pakistan’s close relationship to Taliban.  So, I think, Pakistan has a special responsibility to make sure that Afghanistan, live up to its international… that Afghanistan lives up to its international commitments, and, and also that Afghanistan, not once again becomes a safe haven for international terrorists. A stable Afghanistan is in the interest of all countries and not least the neighbours as Pakistan.”