NATO SG: Military alone no solution to Afghan problem

KABUL, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The new Secretary General of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Wednesday ruled out the military alone as solution to Afghan imbroglio.

New NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen speaks during a joint press conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai (not pictured) at the presidential palace in Kabul August 5, 2009. Anders Fogh Rasmussen arrived in Kabul on Wednesday to meet with Afghan officials.  (Xinhua/Zabi Tamanna)

"We have to realize that there is no military solution solely to the situation in Afghanistan and we need a broader perspective and comprehensive approach," NATO's top man told a joint press conference with President Hamid Karzai here.

He further stressed that military efforts, hand in hand with a strong commitment from the international community to reconstruction in Afghanistan, is essential for having solution.

Meanwhile, NATO's chief said that peace talks would be held with "those who lay down their arms."

He also said that more than 40 countries are present in Afghanistan and "I can assure you to remain in Afghanistan as long as needed."