Security, reconstruction and development
Afghanistan must never again be allowed to pose a threat to global security. For this reason it must not be allowed to become a safe haven and a retreat for terrorists.
The German government remains determined to contribute to building a stable state in Afghanistan. If this is successful it can be used as a model for successfully tackling terrorism.
The German government expects the new Afghan government to embrace democracy and to fight corruption and drug-related crime.
The central goals
German policy in Afghanistan is based on clear guidelines, which provide a framework for civilian and military interventions.
Strengthening Afghan ownership:All activities of the German government take account of the principle of Afghan ownership.
Putting in place networked security:Security, reconstruction and development are inseparably linked.
Protecting the civilian population:Protecting the Afghan population is a top priority. International forces must be perceived by the Afghan population as protectors.
German commitment to remain focused on the north of the country:The German government accords high priority to stabilising areas in which security is critical. In stable parts of the north, the German government intends to step up its commitment to reconstruction and development.
Better coordinate international efforts:For the success of the international community in Afghanistan will depend on how closely the international players coordinate their activities with Afghan partners and with one another.
Progress must be verifiable:Binding objectives and verifiable criteria for success will boost the transparency and credibility of the actions of the Afghan government and of the international community.
The guiding principle of a "responsible hand-over”
"A responsible hand-over" is the guiding principle of German policy in Afghanistan. Step by step, within the framework of clearly defined stages with interim goals, the Afghans are to assume responsibility for their country.
An international conference on Afghanistan is to be held soon. There, the German government will push for binding goals to be agreed on by both the Afghan government and the international community. The outcome of this conference is to replace the Afghanistan Compact, which is set to expire in 2010.
After the Afghanistan conference the German government will once again review its civilian and military engagement.
The Afghanistan Compact is the final document of a conference held in London in 2006 and is the basis for cooperation between Afghanistan and the United Nations.
