LOC22:59
19:59 GMT
(With photo)
BERLIN, Jan 22 (KUNA) -- German Minister of Defense Thomas De Maiziere said
Sunday the redeployment of UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force
(ISAF) from Afghanistan, originally planned to start in late 2014, could be
postponed.
The redeployment plan depends, of course, on the developments of the field
situation, the minister told reporters here.
If the security conditions in Afghanistan change, the redeployment plan has
to be changed accordingly, he said.
De Maiziere renewed the commitment of his country to the international
efforts to help the Afghan government, noting that the presence of the ISAF
there serves not only the combat against terrorists but the reconstruction
process and the rebuilding of the Afghan security and military forces as well.
The Western military trainers have to remain in Afghanistan after 2014 to
build the capacity of the Afghan army and security forces, he pointed out.
The ISAF will develop an integrated pullout plan in 2012 and continue
handing over the security responsibility to the Afghan authorities as per
schedule and in coordination with the neighboring countries notably Pakistan,
he added. (end)
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KUNA 222259 Jan 12NNNN