An increase in the number of foreign troops in Afghanistan may produce real effect only if it is carried out together with effective measures in forming the combat-capable military structures in the country. This is the opinion of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

“According to our opinion, an increase in the number of American servicemen by 30 thousand has little effect. This will produce real effect only in case if it is carried out together with effective measures in forming the combat-capable military structures,” a statement by a Foreign Ministry official A. Nesterenko posted on the ministry’s official website says.   

According to the diplomat, the Afghan army should be capable of fighting against drug trafficking, which is a key source that provides militants with money.

Nesterenko noted that despite the consistent increase in the number of foreign troops in Afghanistan that is estimated at about one hundred thousand the situation in the country is not improving, on the contrary it remains complicated. Moreover, there is a trend towards further worsening the situation.

The Russian diplomat pointed to the growth in losses of foreign forces. “A record number of losses have been registered this year. In 2008, 295 foreign servicemen were killed, while in the first ten months of this year the casualty figure increased to 466,” A. Nesterenko said.

The diplomat noted that Afghanistan also needs an efficient government to solve the problems before the country. Russian Foreign Ministry reminded that the G8 foreign ministers congratulated Hamid Karzai upon his election for a second term.