NATO’s Senior Civilian Representative (SCR) Nicholas Kay hopes that 2020 will see the start of inclusive intra-Afghan negotiations on Afghanistan future and lay the ground for durable peace.
In an online question and answer session, the SCR said, “Building trust is part of any peace process and it takes time. I sincerely hope in 2020 we will be able to see the start of inclusive intra-Afghan negotiations.”
Nicholas Kay said any deal would need to preserve achievements of the past 18 years, adding that NATO supported US-Taliban talks, but it was only a first step.
“Real peace will come from an intra-Afghan agreement that preserves the rights and freedoms Afghans have enjoyed for the last 18 years,” said Kay.
The NATO envoy said Afghans deserved peace and wanted no more indiscriminate IEDs which maimed and killed innocent civilians. “The Taliban must end violence. It is time to focus on the future for all Afghans”, he said.
Referring to NATO’s presence in Afghanistan, he said, “Our presence is based on needs of Afghan security forces and will be determined by our allies and conditions on the ground. Violence has to reduce as a first step to make way for peace.”
The NATO official said they continued to encourage all regional actors to play a constructive role in helping to stabilize Afghanistan through an Afghan-led peace process. “At the end of the day, a more secure Afghanistan contributes to regional stability.”
He said for years the allies expressed concern about Iran’s destabilizing activities and they were united in condemning Iran’s support for variety of terrorist groups.
“NATO in Afghanistan continues important work training, advising and assisting Afghan security forces to help suppress international terrorism.”
To a question, Kay said it was important that intra-Afghan talks were inclusive and the speed of progress will be for the parties to determine.
He said NATO train, advise and assist mission focused on ensuring Afghan security forces are prepared to provide security in the long-term.
He said no one underestimated the scale of the challenge and NATO remained committed with forces and funding.
“NATO is working hard to support Afghans achieve a sustainable peace. Clearly financial and military assistance will be needed for sometime. Agreeing future security sector arrangements should be part of the peace process and intra-Afghan negotiations.”
