Politics News

Bucharest April 2008 - NATO and Afghanistan

NATO leaders have acknowledged that Afghanistan is an important test case for the 26-member alliance as it seeks to re-define itself in a post-Cold-War, post 9/11 era.

The NATO-led force in Afghanistan currently comprises some 47,000 troops, but there have been dire reports recently that more forces and greater political efforts are needed if that country is to be saved from deteriorating into a failed state.

Speaking in Bucharest, President Bush called on NATO members to do more to counter the threat of terrorism by stepping up efforts in Afghanistan.

"The terrorist threat is real, it is deadly and defeating this enemy is the top priority of NATO," said Mr. Bush. "Our alliance must maintain its resolve and finish the fight. As [French] President [Nicolas] Sarkozy put it in London last week, we cannot afford to lose Afghanistan, whatever the cost, however difficult the victory, we cannot afford it, we must win. I agree completely."   

Bucharest - April 2008: Allied leaders honour NATO troops

At the opening of the North Atlantic Council Summit meeting in Bucharest, NATO Heads of State and Government paid tribute to the more than sixty thousand men and women from Allied and other nations who are involved in NATO’s missions and operations.

NATO leaders rose to honor the professionalism and dedication of 26 veterans with experience in operations under NATO command, one from each NATO member country. A minute of silence was observed for those wounded and those that paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“Today we honor, in  particular those who have given their lives on behalf of the Alliance and we extend our deepest sympathies to their families and loved ones. We also honor those who have been injured in the course of our common effort,” NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said