2007年VOA标准英语-Gates Says NATO Effective in Afghanistan, Even

U.S. Defense¹ Secretary Robert Gates says the NATO alliance has demonstrated that it can be effective in Afghanistan in spite of continuing shortfalls in the number of troops member-nations are providing. VOA's Al Pessin reports from Brussels, where Secretary Gates arrived late Wednesday for a meeting of NATO defense ministers.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates (r) being greeted at Brussels airport by US Ambassador to NATO Victoria Nuland

"There are some unmet needs, but the reality is that the activities that the activities that are going on in Afghanistan over this spring, in my opinion, are quite positive, both in the security situation and in terms of the number of countries that are stepping up to help the economic reconstruction² and development," said Secretary Gates.

Robert Gates speaking to reporters in Brussels, 13 Jun 2007

Gates said he expects some discussion of how to better coordinate⁴ aid efforts during the NATO defense ministers' meeting Thursday and Friday.

A senior official traveling with the secretary told reporters on his aircraft the issue of NATO force levels in Afghanistan will likely come up during the meetings, particularly regarding the staffing of reconstruction and training teams. The official says some countries may be ready to announce further contributions, but she also said people need to moderate their expectations of what NATO and the Afghan government can do.

The official also said Secretary Gates may raise questions about the new NATO Response Force, a rotating force of 25,000 that is on stand-by for emergencies. The official says the secretary will question whether it makes sense to maintain such a force while the NATO commitment in Afghanistan remains⁵ short of its target.