Brahimi hosts first meeting of Afghan leaders and international security force

The senior United Nations envoy in Afghanistan, Lakhdar Brahimi, today chaired the first-ever meeting bringing together officials of the Interim Administration and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

Describing the meeting, a spokesman for Mr. Brahimi told reporters in Kabul that participants had focused on paramount security concerns. “Security does not just mean the end of war, but it means the ability to go about your business safely, in a safe environment, to go to work, to go home, to travel outside your home in the knowledge that your family is safe and will not be harmed,” said Ahmad Fawzi.

The spokesman noted that the meeting had been constructive. “Everyone was very satisfied by the degree of cooperation and liaison between ISAF and the local police and military,” he said.

The Afghan side briefed on measures being taken to improve security in the capital and to ensure that – “gradually and systematically” – illegal arms were being withdrawn from circulation, according to Mr. Fawzi. The Afghans also appealed for assistance in strengthening the police force, and Mr. Brahimi “promised to take this up with friendly countries around the world,” the spokesman added.

Currently, ISAF has deployed 784 troops in Afghanistan and expects to have 1,400 in place by 15 January.