NATO summit in Istanbul discusses Afghanistan

An informal meeting of NATO defense ministers gathered in Istanbul yesterday co-hosted by NATO Secretary-General Fogh Rasmussen and Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul. At the meeting, 28 defense ministers of the alliance discussed the situation in Afghanistan and steps to be taken this year. The importance of Turkey's role in Afghanistan was underlined, and it was stated that NATO needs 2,000-2,400 trainers for the Afghan army. As part of the talks, a session of the North Atlantic Council session on the ISAF will start today with the participation of President Abdullah Gul.