Afghan President Welcomes Nato's Decision To Increase Military Presence In Afghanistan

ISTANBUL (CIHAN) - Afghanistan President Hamit Karzai welcomed NATO's decision to expand its mission in Afghanistan and the decision to boost its military presence.
Karzai told a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer on Tuesday that the decision of NATO leader to extend NATO's mission from Kabul and Kunduz to the north of Afghanistan made the Afghan people happy. He said that the presence of the International Security Assistance Force gives security assurance to the Afghan people.
The joint declaration of the NATO summit said that NATO would increase its troop size in Afghanistan to 10,000 to secure the presidential and parliamentary elections in September. The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has deployed some 6,400 peacekeeping forces in Afghanistan.
Karzai stated that the parliamentary and presidential elections in September would go ahead as they are scheduled. "We promise the Afghan people that elections will take place in September. Nearly 5.2 million Afghan people registered to cast their votes in the upcoming elections. The preparations for the elections are underway".
The Afghan President acknowledged the fact that the decision of NATO to increase its troops in Afghanistan could fuel terror attacks.
NATO Secretary General Scheffer said that reinforced NATO forces in Afghanistan will provide security in upcoming elections. Scheffer added that NATO, the UN, the EU and donor countries should be involve in Afghanistan.