KABUL - A NATO ministerial meeting on Wednesday said withdrawing troops “does not mean ending our relationship with Afghanistan rather, this will be the start of a new chapter”.
A statement issued after the North Atlantic Council ministerial meeting said there was no military solution to the challenges Afghanistan faced
“Allies have determined that we will start the withdrawal of Resolute Support Mission forces by May 1.  This drawdown will be orderly, coordinated, and deliberate.”
The statement adds: “We plan to have the withdrawal of all US and Resolute Support Mission forces completed within a few months.  Any Taliban attacks on allied troops during this withdrawal will be met with a forceful response.”
The alliance said a sustainable peace in Afghanistan would have at its foundation an enduring, comprehensive, and inclusive peace agreement that put an end to violence, safeguards the human rights of all Afghans, particularly women, children, and minorities, upholds the rule of law, and ensures that Afghanistan never again serves as a safe haven for terrorists.
The conclusion of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission takes place against the backdrop of renewed regional and international support for political progress toward peace.
“We will continue to support the ongoing Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process.  We welcome the Istanbul Conference as an opportunity to move the peace process forward and to reinforce the progress made in Doha. “
The alliance also called on the Afghan government and the Taliban to adhere to their commitments to the peace process initiated by the US-Taliban agreement and the US-Afghanistan Joint Declaration.
NATO Allies and partners will continue to stand with Afghanistan, its people, and its institutions in promoting security and upholding the gains of the last 20 years. (Pajhwok)