NATO to hand over control of Afghanistan

NATO has agreed to begin handing over control of Afghanistan, to the Afghan government this year. The agreement was reached after a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Estonia.

NATO Secretary-General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, says the 28-nation alliance is on track with its new strategy, for winding down the war in the country.

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said, "Our aims in 2010 are clear. To take the initiative against the insurgents, to help the Afghan government exercise its sovereignty, and to start handing over responsibility for Afghanistan to the Afghans."

A map of Afghanistan locating the capital Kabul. NATO foreign ministers sealed Friday a plan for international troops and civilian staff in Afghanistan to hand over responsibility to the local military and government.(AFP/Graphic)