Washington: German Defence Minister Karl-Theodor Zu Guttenberg feels India is frequently forgotten when
it comes to discussing the future of Afghanistan and Pakistan
and says it is time New Delhi should made part of the process.
"India is frequently forgotten when it comes to the
future of Afghanistan and Pakistan in our discussion, if I may
say so," he said in his address to the Center for Strategic
and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank.
Observing that the conflict in Afghanistan cannot be
resolved only through military means, he said, "Besides
formulating a clear strategy for success, we need to agree on
a pragmatic and binding work-share."
"Every actor involved, at the national as well as
international level, needs to perform and show full
commitment," the German minister said.
He also identified India and China as the two emerging
power and said the 2008 National Intelligence Council study
indicates that the West is faced with a relative decline in
power.
"For Europe, things look even gloomier. It is said to
lose much of its influence and current status. What a lovely
prospective... On the other hand, new powers emerge -- China
and India are just two of them," he said.
The German Minister said in recent years, the
international community has allowed the transatlantic
partnership and NATO, its most important forum, to drift -- at
least to a certain extent.
"I clearly underline, very positively, what I hear
over here and what I've heard from Gen. McChrystal last week
in Kabul that the term, regionalisation, is gaining more and
more grounds. And that the regional aspects of the
forthcoming, hopefully, of the forthcoming strategy are
playing a significant role," he said.
He said Germany, in general, is willing and prepare to
contribute adequately if the fundamentals are set in the right
way in Afghanistan.
"First, we need an updated strategy with a clear aim
and clear benchmarks. Secondly, once this is agreed upon about
clear aims and clear benchmarks, we have to ensure that all
relevant actors assume their roles," the Minister said.
"And thirdly, against the background of the decisions
of the international community, Germany will adjust its
engagement. That means precisely that we will prolong our
mandate this December unchanged, first of all, with our 4,500
troops we have sent to Afghanistan," he said.
With new government being sworn in Afghanistan, he
said it is time that Kabul acts.
"They need to act, as I've said. And our expectations
are high. Germany and the international community are not
willing to help nor will we continue sending our soldiers and
civilian workers indefinitely if the Afghans don't take over
their share in building up their country," he said.
Bureau Report