Afghanistan is "a top priority for NATO," and the alliance is determined to make its mission there a success, NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said at the Afghan donors' conference in Berlin March 31.

The goal, he told delegates, is to take charge of more of the Provincial Reconstruction Teams that are working to secure and stabilize areas outside of Kabul.

A NATO press release said de Hoop Scheffer met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai during the conference and assured him that the alliance would support the upcoming electoral process in Afghanistan "within its means and capabilities."

NATO Update
1 April 2004

NATO WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY ITS PART IN AFGHANISTAN, SAYS SECRETARY GENERAL

Speaking at the international donors' conference on Afghanistan in Berlin on 31 March, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said NATO is determined to make its Afghanistan mission a success.

The Secretary General travelled to Berlin to take part in the opening of the conference and a session on the political perspectives for Afghanistan. He also met with President Karzai to discuss the situation in the country and NATO's engagement.

"Afghanistan is a top priority for NATO. Our own security is closely linked to the future of Afghanistan as a stable, secure country where citizens can rebuild their lives after decades of war," the Secretary General said in his address to the conference.

Extending security beyond Kabul

Mr. de Hoop Scheffer said that progress had been achieved in many areas, but that formidable challenges remain.

He said the Alliance is now working hard to expand its presence on the ground. NATO's goal is to take charge of more of the so-called Provincial Reconstruction Teams, which are helping to spread security and stability to the country's provinces.

In his meeting with President Karzai, the Secretary General discussed the situation in the country and particularly the preparations for the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections announced for September.

The Secretary General assured Mr. Karzai that the Alliance would support the electoral process within its means and capabilities.