Kazykhanov says four Kazakh officers in Kabul to help stabilization effort

Earlier this week, the Majilis (lower chamber of Parliament) ratified an agreement with NATO on the participation of Kazakhstan's military officers in the work of the headquarters of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. In accordance with the UN Security Council's resolution, four Kazakh officers will be sent to Kabul to assist the Afghan people and government, the press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.

"The main task of the four officers, who are to be sent to Afghanistan, is to assist the Afghan government in preparations for a peaceful life," the minister said. "Once again, I would like to emphasise that the mandate of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) is issued by the UN Security Council and renewed every six months. The UN Security Council is the only international body responsible for maintaining international peace and security."

"Our main efforts are focused on economic support to Afghanistan, on assistance in building roads, bridges, hospitals, and the provision of humanitarian assistance to that country," Kazykhanov underlined.

According to the minister, "one of the most important priorities is the fight against drug production and trafficking which emanate from Afghanistan. By the way, on the list of specialties which Kazakhstan teaches young Afghans under a special programme, for which US$ 50 million has been allocated, there are police officers," Kazykhanov said.

"I am confident that the war in Afghanistan will come to end, it cannot last forever. And today, Kazakhstan is actively involved in shaping of the foundations for peaceful future of the long-suffering nation," he said.

"Kazakhstan, as a responsible member of the community of nations, supports all international efforts to help stabilize the situation in that country. We also proceed from the fact that there is no military solution to the Afghan problem. For that, the will of all the parties involved is needed as is the most comprehensive international assistance in social and economic rehabilitation of that country. When the Afghans are able to ensure the stability of their own country, the security of all the countries in the region, including ours, will strengthen," Kazykhanov said.

The bill to send officers to Afghanistan, ratified by the Majilis, has now been sent to the Senate. Only once the Senate reviews and votes on the bill, it can be sent to the President for signing.