Brussels. April 14. INTERFAX - In the process of preparing for the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, announced by President Joe Biden, the United States did not try to paint a rosy picture of the situation in this country, said US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
"It wouldn't be in our best interests. And it was a difficult choice, " Blinken said at a press conference on Wednesday evening in Brussels after a video broadcast by NATO foreign and defense ministers.
The analysis during this decision focused on how best to put an end to this 20-year-old operation and withdraw its forces, but also to meet its obligations to Afghanistan.
"We now wish to make progress through a diplomatic solution to the conflict, calling on the parties to engage in meaningful negotiations to reach a peaceful settlement," the Secretary of State explained.
According to him, the assessment of the peace perspective is realistic, but a lot of work is required, and, ultimately, the Afghan people must decide on their future. At the same time, the United States is ready to use all opportunities to support the relevant efforts.
In turn, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg recalled that recently he has repeatedly pointed out the dilemma associated with the withdrawal of allied troops from Afghanistan. Or leave, but realizing that there is still a risk in the country, which he does not underestimate, complications of the situation. Or stay, which will require an increased military presence, because the Taliban (a terrorist organization banned in the Russian Federation) will show even more violence.
"That is why we have been consulting for several months to try to agree on this difficult decision. No one claims that it is simple and there is no risk. But a decision had to be made. And I must say that I was impressed by the way the NATO allies were able to consult, evaluate and make a joint decision," Stoltenberg said.
He added: "We have been in Afghanistan for 20 years. There are many challenges and challenges. Many issues in Afghanistan have not been resolved. But at the same time, we have achieved many successes." The NATO Secretary General, in particular, called the fight against terrorism against NATO countries, the training of the Afghan security forces, as well as assistance in the economic development of the country.
"It's not easy. But regarding the other possible choice, and knowing the decision made by the United States, all the allies decided - and so we adopted a joint statement-to announce that we will begin our withdrawal of forces from May 1, to finish it in a few months, " Stoltenberg concluded.
