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NATO looking into possibility of peacekeeping beyond Kabul

IRNA

Brussels, Sept 15, IRNA -- EU`s special representative in Afghanistan,
Francesc Vendrell, and General Jack Deverell, Commander of NATO-forces
in Afghanistan, briefed Monday in Brussels a joint meeting of the EU 
Political and Security Committee with the North Atlantic Council, 
NATO`s top decision making body. 
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the Secretary-General of 
the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), George Robertson, said 
the issue of extending the ISAF mandate beyond Kabul is a matter that 
is being discussed in NATO but no decisions have been taken yet by 
military authorities. 
``There was general agreement today that this was something that 
had to be looked at, but there has to be a very careful 
consideration,`` he added. 
Robertosn described the security situation in Afghanistan as 
``difficult`` but added ``one where NATO forces and diplomacy are 
beginning to lead.`` 
NATO took over command and co-ordination of ISAF in Kabul on 
August 11. 
On his part, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said the EU 
continues to be committed to the stabilization of Afghanistan by 
providing economic and diplomatic support. 
``It is very important to maintain the process that was started in
Bonn. That is the way ahead,`` said Solana. 
The meeting also discussed the situation in the Balkans, 
especially Kosovo and Macedonia. 
NK/AH/210 
End