ID :
211546
Thu, 10/06/2011 - 12:49
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/211546
The shortlink copeid
Afghans will need long-term help: Smith
SYDNEY (AAP) - Oct 06 - Defence Minister Stephen Smith says the Taliban must not be allowed to think the international community will ignore Afghanistan after 2014.
Mr Smith says he's made it clear to the US, NATO and other International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) colleagues that Australia strongly believes Afghanistan will need ongoing assistance after the handover of security responsibilities to local forces.
Speaking after attending the meeting of NATO and ISAF defence ministers in Brussels, he said the discussion on post-2014 Afghanistan was just starting but needed to be a priority.
"We don't want the Taliban or Afghanistan's neighbours to think that just because there will be a transition by the end of 2014, that the international community will then ignore Afghanistan," he told Sky News on Thursday.
"On the contrary, there needs to be continuing assistance and that of course will include substantial civilian capacity building and development assistance."
Mr Smith said Australia now had some 1550 troops in Afghanistan with the majority engaged in training and mentoring of Afghan forces.
"So, once the training and mentoring job is complete by 2014, then there will be a substantial drawdown so far as Australia is concerned. But there needs to be an ongoing presence," he said.
Australia could provide ongoing military assistance in particular areas, such as officer or technical training and through the provision of advisers.
As well, some Australian special forces could continue in an overwatch role, he said.
"We have got to make sure that Afghanistan doesn't again become a breeding ground for international terrorism. That will need ongoing international community assistance and also need the support of Afghanistan's neighbours, in particular Pakistan," he added.
Mr Smith says he's made it clear to the US, NATO and other International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) colleagues that Australia strongly believes Afghanistan will need ongoing assistance after the handover of security responsibilities to local forces.
Speaking after attending the meeting of NATO and ISAF defence ministers in Brussels, he said the discussion on post-2014 Afghanistan was just starting but needed to be a priority.
"We don't want the Taliban or Afghanistan's neighbours to think that just because there will be a transition by the end of 2014, that the international community will then ignore Afghanistan," he told Sky News on Thursday.
"On the contrary, there needs to be continuing assistance and that of course will include substantial civilian capacity building and development assistance."
Mr Smith said Australia now had some 1550 troops in Afghanistan with the majority engaged in training and mentoring of Afghan forces.
"So, once the training and mentoring job is complete by 2014, then there will be a substantial drawdown so far as Australia is concerned. But there needs to be an ongoing presence," he said.
Australia could provide ongoing military assistance in particular areas, such as officer or technical training and through the provision of advisers.
As well, some Australian special forces could continue in an overwatch role, he said.
"We have got to make sure that Afghanistan doesn't again become a breeding ground for international terrorism. That will need ongoing international community assistance and also need the support of Afghanistan's neighbours, in particular Pakistan," he added.
