Concern at removal of security barriers

The Afghan government’s decision to remove the concrete barricades originally put in place by international forces in Kabul has given rise to a dispute between Afghan and international security forces. A spokesman for United States-led Coalition forces said the Coalition, ISAF and international agencies have expressed grave concern over the plan. A UN spokesman in Kabul said the barriers are still needed in the present situation. Afghan interior ministry spokesman Yousuf Stanikzai told reporters on January 2 that all barriers would be removed by next weekend.