NATO stresses support for Afghanistan

NATO says its troops will not withdraw from Afghanistan until the nation is able to maintain its own security.

NATO's Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, made the remarks in Kabul after meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai Tuesday.

Rasmussen, says NATO forces will shift their strategic focus to protecting the population, and training the Afghan National Army and its police forces. He also stressed that problems in Afghanistan can't be solved only militarily.

At the joint press conference with the NATO chief, Afghan President Hamid Karzai reiterated his call on the Taliban to enter peace negotiations.

The Afghan government has repeatedly offered dialogue with militants, hoping to bring about lasting peace in the country. But the Taliban has refused the offers, stressing talks must be based on the pull out of NATO-led forces from the country.