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The US argues against international peacekeepers for Afghanistan

The United States is arguing against the deployment of international peace keepers to Afghanistan, until its military campaign is complete.

From Washington, Michael Carey reports

The Bush Administration has told nations set to deploy troops to help secure Afghanistan that such a move would be premature, because its war against the Al-Qaeda is still underway, and any outside troops could complicate the US strategy. However Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says the timing or composition of any force is NOT a matter for the US to decide. 'The real issue is at what point will the forces on the ground and the political figures who were discussing a potential provisional government of some sort decide that it is in their individual and collective interest to have peacekeeping forces where and with what make up.' Supporters of a multinational force argue that early deployment may be essential to effective provision of humanitarian aid, however US officials say that security may be better achieved using local forces.

1/12/01 11:39:38 | ABC Radio Australia News

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