NATO endorses plan for a mid-2013 handover in Afghanistan

NATO on Monday endorsed plans to hand over to Afghan forces the complete responsibility of security in the war-torn country by 2013 as the military alliance gradually transitions in its role from combat to training before their final withdrawal in 2014.

The declaration that came today at the Chicago Summit of the 28 NATO members also endorsed the ongoing efforts to achieve a political solution through reconciliation talks with the Taliban.

"We are gradually and responsibly drawing down our forces to complete the ISAF mission by 31 December 2014," the declaration said after member countries discussed at length the future of Afghanistan and their own role in it.

"By mid-2013... the ANSF will be in the lead for security nationwide," said the member countries.

According to their endorsement, the ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) will then start shifting from a primarily combat role to assume the responsibility of providing training, advice and assistance to the Afghan National Security Force (ANSF).

"ISAF will be able to ensure that the Afghans have the support they need as they adjust to their new increased responsibility," they said.

NATO's Chicago Declaration said they have taken further important steps on the road to a stable and secure Afghanistan and to their goal of preventing the country from again becoming a safe haven for terrorists that threaten Afghanistan, the region, and the world.

The irreversible transition of full security responsibility from ISAF to ANSF is on track for completion by the end of 2014, as agreed at their Lisbon Summit, it said.

"We also recognise in this context the importance of a comprehensive approach and continued improvements in governance and development, as well as a political process involving successful reconciliation and reintegration.

"We welcome the announcement by President Karzai on the third tranche of provinces that will start transition," NATO said.

The Chicago Summit Declaration said by the end of 2014, when the Afghan authorities will have full security responsibility, the NATO-led combat mission will end.

However, it will continue to provide strong and long-term political and practical support "through our Enduring Partnership with Afghanistan".

NATO is ready to work towards establishing, at the request of Afghanistan, a new post-2014 mission of a different nature in Afghanistan, to train, advise and assist the ANSF, including the Afghan Special Operations Forces.

"This will not be a combat mission. We task the Council to begin immediately work on the military planning process for the post-ISAF mission," it said.

Noting that at the Bonn Conference held in December, the international community made a commitment to support Afghanistan in its Transformation Decade beyond 2014, the declaration said NATO will play its part alongside other actors in building sufficient and sustainable Afghan forces capable of providing security for their own country.

"In this context, Allies welcome contributions and reaffirm their strong commitment to contribute to the financial sustainment of the ANSF," it said.

NATO leaders asserted that the forthcoming elections must be conducted with full respect for Afghan sovereignty and in accordance with the Afghan Constitution.

Their transparency, inclusivity and credibility will also be of paramount importance.

Continued progress towards these goals will encourage NATO nations to further provide their support up to and beyond 2014, they said.