KABUL/ANKARA - ''Turkey's undertaking the responsibility of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) within the scope of NATO is an important issue,'' said Hikmet Cetin, the NATO Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan.
Speaking to A.A on Monday, Cetin said, ''this should not be mingled with the command of ISAF-2 which Turkey earlier undertook as a national mission.''
''This is a significant mission under NATO. What is important for Turkey is to undertake a mission in a multinational surroundings. A Turkish lieutenant general will command an important force which include soldiers from more than 30 countries,'' he added.
Cetin stated, ''both coalition and NATO forces co-exist in Afghanistan in line with resolutions of UN Security Council. So, there is no legitimacy problem. Thus, many countries which are or not members of NATO contribute to ISAF.''
''Afghanistan is entering a significant political process. There are two main issues in front of Turkey in this period. First one is the extension of NATO's authority to western parts of Afghanistan and the other is the parliamentary elections which will be held in a short while,' said Cetin.
''Parliamentary elections is a significant stage of the process which started after a long war period. The elections will be held in difficult conditions,'' he added.
Cetin said, ''Afghan people attribute great importance to these elections. They are trying to forget their past and try to be hopeful regarding the future.''
''NATO decided to support elections. An additional force may be sent to Afghanistan and a new additional security package will be prepared. NATO, ISAF, coalition and Afghan forces will cooperate to assure the security of the elections,'' he said.
''NATO and ISAF officials want the date of elections be set as soon as possible. This is necessary for ISAF to fully start its preparations'' Cetin indicated. Officials expect that the elections will be held in the first week of July.