NATO supports Afghan gov't-led political process

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(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-10-12 22:24

KABUL -- The commander of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) General David McKiernan on Sunday expressed support to Afghan government-led political process for reconciliation to end conflict in the post-Taliban nation.

US General David McKiernan, Commander of NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) speaks during a press conference in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Oct. 12, 2008. McKiernan on Sunday utterly rejected the notion of losing the war in Afghanistan, saying "We are not losing the war and I absolutely reject the idea."[Xinhua]

"There must be a politically-led process by the government of Afghanistan," the General McKiernan told reporters at a news conference here.

He said that ISAF will certainly support any initiative that further security of the people of Afghansitan.

Contrary to some European diplomats who stress for talks with Taliban outfit, the commander of NATO troops in Afghanistan emphasized that the militants who wish to reconcile should give up resistance and hand over their weapons.

"If there are militant groups or individuals who wish to reconcile, it means they wish to lay down their weapons, stop conducting violence against the people of Afghansitan and support the idea of legitimate government of Afghanistan," he said.

Nevertheless, he said that ISAF leaders would not be involved in such process.

Earlier, British ambassador to Afghansitan Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles stressed for talks between Afghan government and Taliban militants to find a negotiated settlement for conflicts in Afghansitan.

Cowper-Coles made these remarks amid reported talks between Taliban and Kabul in Saudi Arabia with the mediation of the Kingdom.

The US General McKiernan who commands some 71,000-strong ISAF and the US-led Coalition forces in Afghanistan utterly rejected the notion of losing the war in Afghanistan, saying "We are not losing the war and I absolutely reject the idea."

"I do believe that the people of Afghansitan will win in this country," the General pointed out.

The four-star US General who played important role in overthrowing Sadam Hussain Regime in Iraq reassured his support to the people of Afghanistan by saying, "I want you to know that myself and all the soldiers under my command remain committed to the people of Afghansitan."