NATO To Discuss French Role In Afghanistan

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France’s future commitment to Afghanistan after the just concluded presidential vote would be discussed at NATO’s Chicago Summit later this month, an official of the alliance said on Monday. France, a key NATO member, on Sunday voted into power Socialist President Francois Hollande , who hinted last week at pulling out French soldiers by end of 2012 two years ahead of complete NATO exit from Afghanistan. “France has made clear its commitment to Afghanistan. France has made clear its commitment to supporting the training of the Afghan National Security Forces after 2014. And it’s those issues that will be discussed with the new president of France at the NATO Summit in Chicago in two weeks time,” said Dominic Medley, NATO senior civilian representative’s spokesman. Hollande, who takes oath on Monday, is expected to hold high levels talks with NATO leaders and US President Barack Obama in Chicago on France’s future role in Afghanistan. About 3,300 French troops are currently deployed to Afghanistan mainly in southern Kandahar province - as part of the 130,000-strong NATO – led International Security Assistance Force. Over 80 French soldiers have been killed in the country since 2001. Nearly 60 world leaders and international organizations are expected to converge on Chicago to attend the summit, slated for May 20-21. Dominic Medley told journalists in Kabul the summit would mainly focus on three main themes-the alliances commitment to Afghanistan through transition and beyond, ensuring NATO has the capabilities to defend its population and territory and strengthening NATO’s network across the globe. NATO was clearly committed to supporting Afghanistan beyond 2014, when the gradual transition of responsibility for the country’s security would be fully implemented, he added.