Germany and Britain have called for a UN conference later this year to map out a plan for transferring security responsibilities to Afghan authorities.
This would serve as a prelude to reducing international troop levels in that war-torn country.
Facing pressure from populations' growing increasingly skeptical about NATO's mission in Afghanistan, the British and German leaders announced the troop level initiative on Sunday. Their armed forces are major contributors to the 41-nation coalition.
Gordon Brown, British Prime Minister, said, "The international conference, the high-level conference that we propose on Afghanistan, is one that should meet before the end of the year."
Both heads of government are urging the Afghan side to take on more responsibility for its security and share the burdens in the future.
Angela Merkel, German Chancellor, said, "Our plan is to prepare the Afghan government, over the coming transition period, to take on more responsibilities itself. We will help with training and civilian reconstruction. As the Afghans take on more responsibility for their security, the international engagement can be reduced."
The proposed conference could take place after the outcome of last month's Afghan presidential election is determined. It will bring together that nation's next government, the UN, NATO, and key countries contributing to the ongoing international mission.
(CCTV Septemper 7, 2009)
