America
NATO chief welcomes Obama's announcement on Afghanistan
Brussels, Oct 16 NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday welcomed US President Obama's announcement on Afghanistan, saying this decision paves the way for a sustained presence by NATO Allies and partners in Afghanistan.
US President Barack Obama announced plans on Thursday to keep 5,500 US troops in Afghanistan into 2017, and to maintain the current 9,800 forces through "most of 2016."
Commending that the US will maintain its current troop levels in Afghanistan, Stoltenberg said in a statement, "The significant US contribution will be an important factor as we consider the way ahead," Xinhua reported.
He said the Alliance will take key decisions in the coming weeks about the future scope of the Resolute Support Mission, a new NATO-led mission launched on January 1 to provide further training, advice and assistance for the Afghan security forces and institutions.
"The Afghan security forces continue to carry out their security responsibilities across the country, in a very challenging environment," Stoltenberg added.
Thursday's decision mounts to a major political reversal to Obama's campaign promises that he would withdraw all but a small US embassy-based force in the capital, Kabul, before leaving office in January 2017.
For clarifications/queries, please contact IANS NEWS DESK at
+91-120-4822400
Mobile: +91-9873188969
or mail us at [email protected]
2 hours ago
Hurricane Helene death toll tops 100 in US
2 hours ago
Pakistan accords grand welcome to fugitive radical preacher Zakir Naik
2 hours ago
Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal Plans Trip to the U.S.
3 hours ago
Hurricane Helene Strikes Hard, Resulting in 93 Deaths and Widespread Power Outages
3 hours ago
U.S. Mission Increases Visa Appointment Availability for Indian Travelers by 250,000
3 hours ago
Donald Trump Amplifies Criticism of Illegal Immigrants and Kamala Harris
3 hours ago
SpaceX Capsule Docks at Space Station to Rescue Stranded Astronauts
3 hours ago
Kamala Harris' Presidential Campaign Secures $55 Million Through Two Major Weekend Fundraisers
4 hours ago
Tovino Thomas' fantasy action movie 'ARM' grosses Rs 100 crore worldwide
4 hours ago
Deepika Padukone's lifestyle takes a 360 turn, embraces her inner homemaker
4 hours ago
Mrunal Thakur shares excitement on winning Best Performance in a Leading Role at IIFA Utsavam
4 hours ago
Alizeh wins 'IIFA Best Debutant' award for 'Farrey': Couldn’t have asked for a better start
5 hours ago
Ashutosh Gowariker meets the family of supercop Ramakant Kulkarni, latter’s son-in-law Harsha Bhogle