Rasmussen held a news conference with Hamid Karzai , pictured, in Kabul after his arrival on Wednesday [AFP]

Anders Fogh Rasmussen made the comment upon arrived in Kabul, the Afghan capital, on Wednesday, in his first trip to the country since taking over as head of the Western military alliance.

'Pragmatic steps'

Ramussen told reporters at the news conference that he was ready for "pragmatic steps" to end the violence in Afghanistan.

"I think it is a prerequisite that the Afghan government can conduct the talks and negotiations from a position of strength... there is no alternative whatsoever to continued and strengthened military efforts," the AFP news agency quoted Rasmussen as saying.

The former Danish prime minister was also due to meet US General Stanley McChrystal, the commander of international forces, during his visit, Nato said.

He was also expected to meet Kai Eide, the UN special representative, and visit troops appointed to carry out construction work in the provinces, Nato said.

Nato support

Rasmussen has said he wants Afghan forces to take responsibility for security in the country within the next five years.

In his first major speech as the military alliance's head on Monday, Rasmussen said Nato would be there to support Afghans when they assume control from the US-led military operation in Afghanistan for "as long as it takes".

But he said doing so means "helping them stand on their own feet".

Nato took over some operations in Afghanistan six years ago, but a rising number of civilian casualties because of attacks by western forces has fuelled Afghan anger.

Rasmussen took up his new post on August 1, assuming control from the Netherland's Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, who held the role since 2004.

Recommend this article...

Did you enjoy this article? Please bookmark it onto: