The Lisbon Summit, which was attended by the Heads of State and Government of the North Atlantic Council on 19-20 November 2010, was described by NATO’s Secretary General as the “most important summit in NATO’s history.” During the Lisbon Summit there were three major declarations that were published: the “Declaration by NATO and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on an Enduring Partnership,” the “Declaration by the Heads of State and Government of the Nations contributing to ISAF,” and the “Lisbon Summit Declaration.”
The previous blog, entitled “The Lisbon Summit: Establishing an Enduring Partnership,” described the first declaration which established an Enduring Partnership between NATO and Afghanistan. This document, signed by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, emphasized international support for the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in achieving transition to Afghan lead for security in all of the provinces in Afghanistan by the end of 2014. This declaration provided specific measures of cooperation to be developed in support of the Enduring Partnership.
The second declaration, the “Declaration by the Heads of State and Government of the Nations contributing to ISAF,” served as a reaffirmation of the commitment by ISAF Contributing Nations to Afghanistan. The introduction to the document stated the following:
We, the nations contributing to ISAF, reaffirm our enduring commitment to Afghanistan’s security and stability, which are directly linked with our own security. We remain resolute in supporting Afghanistan as its security institutions take on increasing responsibility. Today we recognise the progress that has enabled this evolution toward transition and durable partnership, while we continue our efforts to counter those who aim to destabilise Afghanistan. Our UN-mandated mission in Afghanistan, which is at the request of the Afghan Government remains the Alliance’s key priority. It is helping to lay the foundations for long term security, stability and prosperity in an Afghanistan respectful of human rights, that will never again become a safe haven for terrorists and terrorism. We confirm our shared long-term commitment and our support for enhanced Afghan leadership, a comprehensive approach, and strong regional engagement as set out in our Strategic Vision at Bucharest and reaffirmed at Strasbourg/Kehl. We pay tribute to those who have lost their lives and recognise the enormous sacrifices of all those working to make that vision a reality.
The Declaration had several major topic areas that described the enduring commitment to Afghanistan’s security and stability. These topic areas were:
A New Phase – while acknowledging the significant challenges, the Declaration notes there has been significant momentum in Afghanistan which allows ISAF and Afghanistan to set the conditions for the “irreversible transition to full Afghan security responsibility and leadership” in all provinces by the end of 2014.
Comprehensive Approach – the Declaration emphasizes the “comprehensive approach” while recognizing the success will not be achieved by military means alone; increased coordination among civilian and military actors is necessary.
Transition – the Declaration builds upon the international agreements at the London Conference (January 2010) and the Kabul Conference (July 2010) that focused on the agreed process of Inteqal (transition), which included aligning assistance with Afghan National Priority Programs as outlined in the Afghan National Development Strategy.
Security Challenges – the Declaration notes the increase in the size and capability of the Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) – growing to reach 300,000 by the end of 2011. The Declaration also notes the requirements for trainers to continue the growth in the ANSF. A major security challenge continues to be the issue of civilian casualties: “Any civilian casualty is a tragedy.”
Reconciliation and Reintegration – the Declaration notes the importance of the Afghan Peace and Reintegration Program in achieving lasting stability in Afghanistan. The importance of reconciliation and reintegration, as well as the continued commitment to gender rights, is stressed in the Declaration.
Governance – the Declaration emphasized the importance of the recent Parliamentary Elections, as well as the continued efforts to improve governance, strengthen the rule of law, and ensure sustainable economic growth. The Declaration did note that “corruption remains a central challenge to be addressed.”
Regional Issues – the Declaration recognized the importance of “the constructive support of Afghanistan’s regional partners” as essential for lasting stability, particularly with Pakistan.
A Shared Vision – the Declaration ended with a statement of the shared vision of the ISAF Contributing Nations with President Karzai, the United Nations Secretary General, the European Union, the World Bank, and Japan at the Lisbon Summit:
Many challenges lie ahead. Our strategy is sound and our long term commitment is solid. We will remain united and build on the clear progress achieved to date and demonstrate our resolve to see our mission through. The well being and security of the Afghan people and our own requires nothing less.
