Russia says US must fulfill UN mandate in Afghanistan

AFGHANISTAN: US-led NATO troops must not withdraw from Afghanistan until local forces are able to ensure security for the country, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Sunday.

Lavrov told local television channel Tolo news it was a point of "international law" that the Afghan government must "possess the capabilities to maintain law and order" before international forces leave.

"The presence of the international stabilisation force in Afghanistan has been mandated by the UN Security Council. The mandate is clear. They must fulfill this mandate before they leave," he said.

After more than 10 years of war there are still about 130,000 troops fighting with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in support of the Afghan government against an ongoing Taliban insurgency.

Foreign combat troops are due to leave by the end of 2014 and increasing efforts have been made to train up the Afghan army and police to take responsibility for the country's security.

Meanwhile, Washington is negotiating a strategic partnership agreement with Kabul, and looking at the issue of permanent US bases in Afghanistan post-2014.

Lavrov said it was "strange" to insist on the withdrawal of troops while at the same time "Washington is discussing with Afghanistan very purposefully about establishing four or five military bases for the post 2014 period". "We want to understand what the reason is for it and why this is needed. We don't think it would be helpful for the stability in the region," he said.

AFP