Advertisement

U.N., NATO at odds over reconstruction

MARJA, Afghanistan, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- U.N. officials say their aid agencies will not participate in NATO's rebuilding strategy in southern Afghanistan as part of its current military campaign.

Robert Watkins, a special representative of U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, told a news conference in Kabul, "We are not part of that process, we do not want to be part of it. We will not be part of that military strategy.

Advertisement

Watkins spoke to reporters to announce the United Nations' Humanitarian Action Plan for 2010, The New York Times reported.

NATO's current "Operation Moshtarak (Togetherness)" offensive is designed to drive the Taliban from Marja, Nad Ali and other towns in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province.

The Times report said the "government in a box" plan of Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, includes quick delivery of government services such as education, health care and jobs once Marja is secured. The report said Watkins did not directly speak against the Marja offensive, but said, "It is not the military that will be delivering the services, they will be clearing the area so the government can deliver those services."

Advertisement

Wael Haj-Ibrahim, head of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said the military should not be involved in providing healthcare or schools.

"Allowing the military to do it is not the best use of resources," he said.

"The conduct of Operation Moshtarak is visibly demonstrating that the force has changed the way it operates and that it is working with and for the people of Afghanistan," the coalition said in a statement.

It also warned the military phase could be a long one since the forces would need to clear mines and other dangers that are "significant in areas."

Latest Headlines