Press Release - April 21, 2003

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) decided last week to provide leadership and expanded logistical assistance for the UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan starting in August 2003.

The Afghan Government welcomes the NATO decision as a practical and effective measure to provide continuity and enhance security in Kabul. This decision will also help ISAF's troop-contributing nations improve coordination, command-and-control leadership and resource management over a sustained period of time in Afghanistan.

The Transitional Government, on behalf of the Afghan people, extends its appreciation to the United Nations and all ISAF member countries, especially to the lead nations - the United Kingdom, Turkey, Germany and Holland - for their remarkable performance in assisting the Afghans create a more stable and peaceful environment following the collapse of the Taliban in 2001.

Providing continued international security assistance for the foreseeable future is an essential element for rebuilding State institutions and reviving Afghanistan's economy.

Also, this month, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe agreed to establish formal links under its Partner for Co-operation scheme with the Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan.

Afghanistan welcomes this important decision by the OSCE. The decision, which was taken at the 445th meeting of the Permanent Council, followed a request made by Afghan Foreign Minister, Dr. A. Abdullah, to the Netherlands Chairmanship of the OSCE in a letter of 18 February 2003, which expressed Afghanistan's intention to share the principles, values and goals of the OSCE.

Afghanistan aspires to play an active and constructive role as an OSCE partner, and contribute toward that organization's mandate and objectives to promote security and cooperation among nations.

Office of the Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Kabul