Estonia Welcomes USA’s New Afghanistan Strategy
03.12.2009
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet expressed support for President of the
United States Barack Obama’s new Afghanistan strategy, which emphasises
the importance of focusing on the civil sector in addition to
increasing the military contribution in Afghanistan, as well as on
co-operation with Pakistan.
Paet welcomes the US president’s decision to significantly increase
the USA’s contribution in Afghanistan. “Adding 30 000 soldiers is a
valued decision that will help allies come to terms more effectively
with the upcoming obligations,” stated Paet. The foreign minister
emphasised that in order to improve the security situation and ensure
sustainability in Afghanistan, it is necessary for the Afghans to
accept greater responsibility. “One goal of sending in additional
forces is to increase training for the Afghan security forces, which
will result in the Afghans being able to carry the responsibility for
their own nation’s security in the future,” Paet added.
Estonia will continue to contribute to the International Security
Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan to the same degree as before,
according to Foreign Minister Paet. “On average there are 150-165
Defence Forces members participating in the mission, including the fire
support team sent to strengthen the Estonian contingent and provide
greater security,” said Paet. “During the next year we also plan to add
an improvised explosive device disposal (IEDD) team,” stated Foreign
Minister Paet. A majority of the Estonian Defence Forces members will
continue to ensure security in Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan.
Paet stated that while the military contribution is being increased,
more attention should be paid to building up Afghanistan. “Estonia
plans to increase its civil contribution in the next year, and we plan
to send a third Estonian police officer to join the two already
participating in the European Union police mission EUPOL Afghanistan,”
the foreign minister stated. Paet added that Estonia intends to
continue its development co-operation projects in Afghanistan to the
full extent of their original plans.
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