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UNCLAS USNATO 000502
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MOPS MCAP MARR NATO AF
SUBJECT: NATO STATEMENT ON USG CONSULTATIONS WITH ALLIES
AND ISAF PARTNERS ON AFGHANISTAN
1. (U) NATO Secretary General Rasmussen issued a statement on
the November 5 visit to NATO headquarters of a senior USG
interagency team for consultations on Afghanistan with Allies
and non-NATO troop contributing nations. (Note: The
substance of the consultations will be reported septel.)
2. (SBU) Comment: As reflected in the Secretary General's
statement, the visit was an important demonstration of the
Administration's commitment to consultations with Allies and
partners ahead of the Presidential decisions which will be
taken in response to the assessment and resource request of
GEN McChrystal, the commander of the NATO-led International
Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.
3. (U) The full text of the Secretary General's statement
follows:
BEGIN TEXT
05 Nov. 2009
Press Release: (2009) 160
NATO Secretary General statement on consultations for the way
ahead in Afghanistan
The North Atlantic Council and troop contributing nations of
the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) met today
with representatives of the United States Government to
consult on the way ahead in Afghanistan.
The 43 nations exchanged views on priority issues following
the conclusion of the Afghan electoral process and ahead of a
final decision on the strategic approach and associated
resource requirements. Allies and non-NATO troop
contributing nations welcomed the opportunity to exchange
views on critical questions. These included: challenges such
as proposals to enhance the training and development of the
Afghan National Security Forces; the need for the appointment
of an inclusive government in Kabul to give the international
community a strong and reliable partner; and ways to enhance
the civilian component of international community efforts in
Afghanistan and improve its coordination. The meeting also
reinforced the importance of an effective regional approach,
stressing the importance of improved cooperation between
Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, recognised
the clear sense of continued commitment to Afghanistan from
the troop contributing nations. He urged all nations to
re-examine what further resources they could make available
in terms of military, financial or civilian contributions to
help the Afghans take an increasing lead in managing their
own affairs.
END TEXT
DAALDER