NATO halts all support to Afghan authorities

Meeting to discuss "the grave events in Afghanistan," the foreign ministers of the NATO member countries released a joint statement urging the authorities in the war-torn country to "respect and facilitate" the safe and orderly departure of "our citizens, partner country nationals, and at-risk Afghans."

The ministers also vowed to maintain "close operational coordination" throughout the evacuation efforts at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul.

"We call on all parties in Afghanistan to work in good faith to establish an inclusive and representative government, including with the meaningful participation of women and minority groups," the statement said.

It went on to urge authorities "to safeguard the human rights of all Afghans, particularly women, children, and minorities" in the country.

Upholding the rule of law and allowing unhindered humanitarian access are also among Afghanistan's international obligations, the ministers noted.

Expressing “deep concerns about reports of serious human rights violations and abuses across Afghanistan,” NATO demanded “an immediate end to the violence” and adherence to the international humanitarian law in all circumstances in the statement.

The organization further called on those in power to ensure the eradication of terrorism from Afghan territories. “We will not allow any terrorists to threaten us. We will remain committed to fighting terrorism with determination, resolve, and in solidarity,” it remarked.

The ministers voiced their support for the civil society actors playing a meaningful role in Afghan society and underlined that the citizens “deserve to live in safety, security and dignity” while building on their past achievements in politics, the economy, and society.

“We will continue to promote the stable, prosperous Afghanistan that the Afghan people deserve and address the critical questions facing Afghanistan and the region … including through our cooperation with regional and international partners, such as the European Union and United Nations,” the joint statement said.