Briefing by Russian MFA Spokesman Alexander K. Lukashevich:

Concerning the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan

21-07-2011

I would like to respond to the following question of the TV channel 'Vesti 24' that came in on the eve of the briefing.

The United States formally began withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan on July 20. It is assumed that control of the situation will be transferred completely to Afghan security forces in two of the country's 34 provinces. Will not we see a repeat of the scenario that materialized after the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan, when radical Islamists came to power?

Of course, we have noted the fact of the start of US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and transfer of responsibility for security to the Afghans in a number of parts of the IRA. Russia believes that these steps will be offset by efforts to improve the fighting efficiency of Afghan national armed forces, which must ultimately take primary responsibility for security in the country and effectively combat extremist groups and drug-related crime.

If these conditions are met, the events will not go along the lines of the negative scenario referred to in the question.