NATO Defense Ministers Set Post-2014 Afghanistan Mission

You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. NATO Defense Ministers Set Post-2014 Afghanistan Mission 06/05/2013 01:08 PM CDT NATO Defense Ministers Set Post-2014 Afghanistan Mission By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service BRUSSELS, June 5, 2013 - NATO defense ministerial meetings yesterday and today helped to cement the alliance's commitment to a "train, advise and assist" mission that will begin after the International Security Assistance Force disbands at the end of 2014, NATO's senior civilian leader said today. "The end of 2014 will mark the end of our combat mission, but also a new beginning for Afghanistan," Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said during a news conference at the end of the ministerial gathering. "The Afghan people will be fully responsible for their country's freedom, their country's fate, and their country's future." But they will not stand alone, he added. NATO has committed to a new mission called "Resolute Support." It will not be ISAF by another name, Rasmussen emphasized. "It will be different and significantly smaller. Its aim will be to train, advise and assist the Afghan forces, not substitute for them," he said. NATO's presence for that mission will center in the geographic corners of the country – east, west, north and south – and in the capital of Kabul, he said. Rasmussen said over the last 11 years, NATO's ISAF mission has given the Afghan government and people space to build their future. "With this new mission, we will continue to support them," he added. "But ultimately, it is for the Afghans to determine their own future. That is what security transition is all about." While NATO has not yet assigned troop numbers for Resolute Support, he said, many member nations have expressed interest in contributing. Rasmussen added he is confident NATO will get enough contributions to ensure the Resolute Support mission will be fully manned. The secretary general noted today's program also included a meeting of the NATO-Georgia commission. Georgia, which aspires to join the alliance, is a committed partner and the largest non-NATO contributor to ISAF, he said. Georgia has demonstrated impressive commitment to the alliance even as it pursues its own far-reaching defense reforms, Rasmussen said. "Today, ministers expressed their appreciation for all Georgia has done to support our common goals," he said. "They reaffirmed NATO's continued support for Gerogia's territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders. And they made clear that they are ready to support and assist Georgia as it moves ahead with its reforms."   Biographies: Anders Fogh Rasmussen Related Sites: NATO NATO International Security Assistance Force Travels With Hagel   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense