NATO for Afghanistan: We will learn the lessons needed from what happened

NATO foreign ministers have come up with a joint press release regarding the situation created in Afghanistan, where the Taliban have taken power from Saturday and millions of people seek to leave the country.

In the 6-point statement, diplomats of the northern Atlantic alliance call for the immediate halting of acts of violence in Afghanistan and full human rights enforcement.

NATO diplomats promise that the evacuation process of all Western citizens, as well as local collaborators, will follow and allow continued flights to Kabul airport.

NATO Ministers' Declaration

1. We, NATO foreign ministers, met today to discuss the difficult situation in Afghanistan.

2. We are united in our deep concern for the serious events in Afghanistan and call for the immediate ban on violence. We also express deep concerns about reports of serious human rights violations and abuses throughout Afghanistan. We affirm our commitment to the UN Security Council statement on August 16th and call for respect for international norms and standards on human rights and international humanitarian law in all circumstances.

3. Our immediate task now is to fulfil our commitments to continue the safe evacuation of our citizens, citizens of partner countries and Afghans at risk, in particular those that have helped our efforts. We call on those who have authority in Afghanistan to respect and facilitate their safe and fair departure, including through Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul.

4. The Afghan people deserve to live in security, dignity and build on the important political, economic and social achievements they have made over the past 20 years. We stand by the actors of civil society who should be able to keep on playing their meaningful role in Afghan society with certainty. We call on all parties in Afghanistan to work in confidence to create an inclusive and representative government, including meaningful participation of women and minority groups. In current circumstances, NATO has suspended any support for Afghan authorities. Every future Afghan government must adhere to Afghanistan's international obligations; protecting the human rights of all Afghans, especially women, children and minorities; supporting the rule of law; allowing unhindered humanitarian approaches; and ensuring that Afghanistan never again serves as a safe haven for terrorists.

5. For the past 20 years, we have successfully denied terrorists a safe haven in Afghanistan from which they can launch attacks. We will not let any terrorist threaten us. We remain committed to combating terrorism with determination, determination and solidarity.

6. We honor the service and sacrifice of all those who have worked hard over the past 20 years to realise a better future for Afghanistan. Together, we will fully reflect on our engagement in Afghanistan and learn the necessary lessons. We will continue to promote sustainable and prosperous Afghanistan that the Afghan people deserve and address the critical questions facing Afghanistan and the region, in the near future and beyond, including through our co-operation with regional and international partners, such as the European Union and the United Nations.