Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday that the alliance will leave Afghanistan only when security conditions allow, as a deadline for withdrawing troops set out in a peace deal with the Taliban nears.
Nato has just under 10,000 troops helping to train and advise Afghan security forces in the war-torn country.
Most of them are not US troops, but the allies could not continue the Nato operation if American transport, logistics and other support were withdrawn.
President Joe Biden is reviewing predecessor Donald Trump’s 2020 deal with the Taliban, which includes a May 1 deadline for a final US troop pull-out.
In Washington, calls are mounting for the US to delay the departure or renegotiate the deal to allow the presence of a smaller American force focused on intelligence.
Violence from the Taliban, ISIS, warlords and criminal gangs is surging.
“Our presence in Afghanistan is conditions-based and Taliban has to meet their commitments,” Mr Stoltenberg said after chairing a meeting of Nato defence ministers, including new US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.
“The main issue is that Taliban has to reduce violence, Taliban has to negotiate in good faith and Taliban has to stop supporting international terrorist groups like Al Qaeda.
“We will only leave when the time is right and the focus now is how we can we support the peace talks.”
He was referring to slow-moving negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan government, which began last year in Qatar.
None of the 30 Nato member governments has publicly said security conditions are right for a withdrawal, and several allies would probably support a longer stay if the US requested it.
The defence ministers are due to discuss Afghanistan more broadly on Thursday.
But with the US review continuing it is unlikely that any firm decision on the future of Nato’s operation will be made.
That could come when the alliance's foreign ministers next meet, in mid-March.
Nato took control of international security operations in Afghanistan in 2003, two years after a US-led coalition ousted the Taliban for harbouring former Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
It is the military alliance’s longest, costliest and most ambitious operation ever.
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Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
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“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
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Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
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Torque: 1075Nm
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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England squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Coady, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Ben White
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards: Tammy Abraham, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Raheem Sterling
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- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
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What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
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- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
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Abu Dhabi GP schedule
Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm
Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm
Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm
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1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 1hr 32mins 03.897sec
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull-Honda) at 0.745s
3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) 37.383s
4. Lando Norris (McLaren) 46.466s
5.Sergio Perez (Red Bull-Honda) 52.047s
6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 59.090s
7. Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) 1:06.004
8. Carlos Sainz Jr (Ferrari) 1:07.100
9. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri-Honda) 1:25.692
10. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:26.713,
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Director: Shazia Iqbal
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