NATO made no decision on its future presence in Afghanistan at a meeting of its defense ministers, chief of the alliance said on Thursday.
“We are faced with many dilemmas and there are no easy options,” Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in a press conference.
“At this stage, we have made no final decision on the future of our presence, but, as the May 1 deadline is approaching, NATO Allies will continue to closely consult and coordinate in the coming weeks,” Stoltenberg said.
He said that the peace process is the best chance to end years of suffering and violence. “But the talks are fragile, and progress is slow.”
Stoltenberg said that it is imperative to re energise the peace process.
“All sides must seize this historic opportunity for a peaceful settlement without further delay.”
He called on the the Taliban to “negotiate in good faith, reduce the high level of violence and live up to their commitment to stop cooperating with international terrorist groups.”
