WASHINGTON - NATO Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan Hikmet Cetin said, ''if terrorism is not defeated in Afghanistan, it cannot be defeated anywhere else.''
Cetin, who attended the 25th annual conference of American-Turkish Council and Turkish-U.S. Business Council in Washington, informed journalists about the recent situation in Afghanistan.
Noting that security and fight against terrorism are basic matters, Cetin said, ''the general condition in Afghanistan is good. Taliban was cleared from administration. No facilities or communication network of Al Qaida remained in the country; however, activities of Taliban and Al Qaida continue in some places.''
''Incidents especially on Pakistani border have escalated since last September. Taliban and terrorist organizations saw that they cannot fight against international forces. However, they changed tactics by taking Iraq as a model. Afghan culture does not include suicide attacks. But now they are using tactics like suicide attacks and bombs on roadsides,'' said Cetin.
He said, ''these attacks are mainly focused on schools and education system in the south. Another reason of increasing attacks is to test NATO in the south.''
''In the end of July, NATO will undertake the command. Turkey, France and Italy will undertake the command rotatingly in and around Kabul,'' he added.
Cetin said, ''terrorism is related with economic and social conditions. As long as business, education and health issues do not recover, military operation will not alone be enough. The support of neighboring countries, especially Pakistan, is necessary as well. We are in a global struggle. If terrorism is not defeated in Afghanistan, it cannot be defeated anywhere else.''
''The democratic process functions well in Afghanistan. View of Afghan people towards NATO is very positive. According to public surveys, 70 percent of Afghan people supports NATO,'' noted Cetin.
Cetin's mission in NATO will end in August.