Region | Iraq
Nato reiterates pledge to rebuild Iraq security force
Foreign ministers of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) on Wednesday reiterated their commitment to Iraq and to the development of the country's security forces
- By Habib Toumi , Bahrain Bureau Chief
- Published: 23:35 December 4, 2008
Brussels: Foreign ministers of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) on Wednesday reiterated their commitment to Iraq and to the development of the country's security forces.
"We reiterate the alliance's commitment to support the government and people of Iraq and to assist with the development of Iraqi security forces," the ministers of the 26-member alliance said at the conclusion of their meeting in Brussels.
"We have responded positively to a request by Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki to continue the Nato training mission and expand the mission in several areas, including navy and air force leadership training, police training, border security, defence reform, defence institution building and small arms and light weapons accountability," the final communiqué said.
The ministers said Nato was also working with the government of Iraq on a structured cooperation framework to develop the alliance's long-term relationship with Iraq.
The alliance also reaffirmed its "long-term commitment to supporting the government of Afghanistan in building a stable and democratic Afghanistan, respectful of human rights, capable of securing itself and at peace with its neighbours".
The ministers agreed that the "UN-mandated Nato-led international assistance force" would remain their major priority.
"We condemn the deliberate tactics and actions by insurgents in complete disregard for human life. We deplore civilian casualties," the ministers said.
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