Germany urges Afghanistan to conduct reforms

Oct 29, 2010, 16:49 GMT

Berlin - Visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmay Rassoul was told Friday in Berlin that Kabul must undertake more reforms if it is to satisfy the NATO partners who are about to discuss Afghan policy.

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said resolutions at international conferences this year in London and Kabul on the future of Afghanistan had to be implemented 'resolutely.'

'Despite some setbacks, we do see some real progress,' said Westerwelle.

Rassoul, who was paying his first visit to Berlin since taking office, spoke of Berlin's and Kabul's 'unity' over objectives and thanked Germany for its support since the Taliban was ousted in 2001.

Westerwelle said the most important issues were to bolster the Afghan government security forces, fight corruption and achieve a reconciliation among the opposed Afghan factions.

'Afghanistan needs a political solution. A military one won't be enough,' Westerwelle said.

NATO nations are set to hold a summit in three weeks' time in Lisbon, Portugal and are expected to discuss handing over security control in some provinces over the next year to Afghan forces.

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